Germany Raises Diplomatic Ties With PA/PLO

Germany has just raised the level of representation of the PA/PLO delegation in Berlin to "Diplomatic Mission" headed by an Ambassador. This was announced Wednesday by German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle while visiting in Ramallah. The change in diplomatic status may be related to Merkel's several recent condemnations of Israel's settlement policy.

France, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Denmark and the UK have already elevated the PA/PLO delegations in their countries to "Diplomatic Missions".