By Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai2013-05-06 16:38:01 UTC
When Google changed the tagline for google.ps, its Palestinian domain, from "Palestinian Territories," to "Palestine," it stepped right into one of the world's most controversial political issues. The change, which was effective on May 1, was seen as Google's recognition of a Palestinian state.
"This is a step in the right direction, a timely step and one that encourages others to join in and give the right definition and name for Palestine instead of Palestinian Territories," Sabri Saidam, adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, told the BBC.
But officials in Israel were not as enthusiastic in embracing the change, going as far as saying the decision harms peace talks in the region.
"I think that the Google decision from the last few days is very, very problematic," Deputy Israeli Foreign Minister Zeev Elkin, told Israel's Army Radio. "When a company like Google comes along and supports this line, it actually pushes peace further away, pushes away negotiations, and creates among the Palestinian leadership the illusion that in this manner they can achieve the result."
Google's decision comes months after the UN granted Palestine the status of "non-member observer state," implicitly recognizing it as a state. That change was one reason Google modified its localized search page.
"We’re changing the name 'Palestinian Territories' to 'Palestine' across our products. We consult a number of sources and authorities when naming countries. In this case, we are following the lead of the UN, ICANN, ISO [International Organization for Standardization] and other international organizations," said Nathan Tyler, a Google spokesperson, in a prepared statement.
As reported by the Jerusalem Post, Elkin took a step further and wrote a letter to Google's CEO Larry Page, pleading the company to backpedal on its decision and to meet with Israeli authorities to discuss the issue.
"Google is in essence recognizing the existence of a Palestinian state," Elkin wrote. "I would be grateful were you to reconsider this decision since it entrenches the Palestinians in their view that they can further their political aims through one-sided actions rather than through negotiating and mutual agreement."
At press time, Google's spokesperson had not responded to further questions regarding Israel's position and Google's reaction to it.
Image via Abid Katib/Getty Images
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