Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel & Joachim Sauer German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government has upgraded the Palestinian diplomatic status to that of “mission headed by an ambassador.” The boost, up from “delegation”, is similar to changes in status bestowed by other European nations and is seen to be a result of the Palestinian campaign for full United Nations membership and recognition of statehood.

While more than 100 nations have granted the Palestinians full diplomatic status, the influential European capitals have agreed with the United States that full recognition can only come as the result of bilateral talks with Israel.

The US and Israel remain in agreement that the Palestinian campaign for statehood and recognition is being used as a substitute for serious negotiations while the Palestinians argue that full diplomatic status will serve as in impetus for Israel to be more serious in the peace process.
 

Source: (By The Media Line, February 3, 2012)