"France has postponed its recognition of a Palestinian state because it is making efforts to convince all the European countries to recognize the state," said Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath, who wrapped up a visit to Paris.

He noted that France is leading an initiative in the European Union (EU) which aims at activating the EU to sponsor the peace process and adopt an initiative recognizing the state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"The initiative also aims to request that Israel be committed to the international peace process," Shaath said, adding that there are positive British signals to promote the office of the Palestinian territories to a higher diplomatic office.

After the peace talks were suspended on October 2 due to Israel's refusal to halt settlement activities, the Palestinians threatened to use other diplomatic options, mainly asking the world to recognise a Palestinian state.

"The problem is not our problem, the problem is with Israel. The political changes in the Arab world won't affect the Palestinian leadership, on the contrary, it will empower the Palestinian determination to continue the popular struggle against the occupation," Shaath said.