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Switzerland names coordinator for Palestinian issues

Switzerland has named a diplomat, Nicolas Lang, to coordinate on political issues with the Palestinian Authority, in advance of the expected declaration of an independent state by the Palestinians.

Switzerland has named a diplomat, Nicolas Lang, to coordinate on political issues with the Palestinian Authority, in advance of the expected declaration of an independent state by the Palestinians.

Lang has been named deputy director of the Swiss integration bureau with the Palestinian Authority. He will be dealing with political issues, whereas the bureau was formerly just concerned with development aid projects.

Lang said his nomination would enable Switzerland to have an established political presence if the Palestinians go ahead and declare an independent state. He said Switzerland had great interest in closely following the political process.

Israel and the Palestinians have set September as the time for a final accord, settling the issue of Palestinian lands. However, the two sides are unlikely to meet that deadline given the current deadlock, analysts say.

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