Santo Domingo, Dhu-AlQa'dah 10, 1432, Oct 8, 2011, SPA - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has affirmed that the request for recognition of the Palestinian State is neither a unilateral action nor an obstacle to negotiations with Israel. "Moreover, it does not aim to delegitimize Israel or isolate it, or to collide and differ with the United States of America or other countries. The Palestinians are primarily seeking to gain legitimacy for their existence as a people having the right to self- determination and de-legitimize Israel's occupation and settlements," he noted. Palestine News and Information Agency "WAFA'' quoted President Abbas as saying at Dominican Parliament yesterday, that the present Israeli government has worked to perpetuate the occupation. "Nevertheless, all international officials have reached convictions that the Israeli government is responsible for the failure of all efforts of peace," the Palestinian President said. "We emphasize our accord on the Quartet's recent statement for returning to negotiations in accordance with the terms of references, especially the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, along with the cessation of settlements according to the obligations of the Roadmap, and we are awaiting a clear approval from the Israeli government on this statement." President Abbas declared the determination of the Palestinian Authority to open an embassy in Santo Domingo. --SPA 11:10 LOCAL TIME 08:10 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/932157