Sun Nov 15, 9:15 AM ET

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat gestures during an interview in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. Erekat said Sunday they are preparing to ask the United Nations to endorse an independent state without Israel's consent because they are losing hope they can achieve their aspirations through peace talks. The announcement drew a harsh rebuke from Israeli officials. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

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