The Palestinian official says any compromise by Mr.Abbas on the settlement issue would impede the creation of a viable independent Palestinian state.

VOA: standard.2009.10.31

Although Democrats are assured their 60 votes, through various compromises and support from two Independent senators, Republicans used the remaining hours of floor time Wednesday to re-state their objections.

VOA: standard.2009.12.24

If confirmed, the arrest of ETA's military chief is the latest in a series setbacks for the separatist group, which has waged a bloody campaign for an independent Basque state in parts of northern Spain and southwestern France.

VOA: standard.2010.05.20

(Speech) Nemtsov says Mr.Medvedev could carry out his program if he demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, insisted that state TV directors lift censorship, permitted independent political activity, and most importantly,punished those who falsify election results.

VOA: standard.2009.11.12

"As we and others have said many times, the way to move forward is to enter negotiations without preconditions and reach agreements on the two-state solution, a Jewish state of Israel living side by side in peace and security with an independent,contiguous and viable Palestinian state,"

VOA: standard.2009.11.26