<h1>Government Official's New Settlement Plan Threatens Future Statehood and Fuels Conflict Over Territory Division</h1> A government official announced plans for a new settlement in a disputed territory, prompting concerns from rights organizations and opposing parties that the development could undermine the viability of a future independent state by dividing the area into separate sections. The announcement coincides with international moves to recognize the state in question. The official stated that the settlement effectively negates the possibility of statehood and warned that any recognition efforts would be met with opposition on the ground.