| Normalization part of US peace plan |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Ma'an News | |
| Tuesday, 28 July 2009 13:27 | |
|
US, July 28 (Ma'an News) Top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat and US Middle East Envoy George Mitchell met for a live news conference Monday and clarified state expectations around future peace talks. On the issue of the continued construction of Israeli settlements, Erekat, who earlier in the day expressed his doubt over whether the US would be able to halt construction, let alone force Israel to pull back to the 1967 borders, said “this [settlement construction halt] was never a Palestinian precondition but actually an Israeli obligation” Mitchell, who confirmed that he spoke earlier Monday with Palestinain President Mahmoud Abbas, said, “on behalf of president Obama I reiterated that it is American policy to seek peace in the region.” A peace, he elaborated, which includes normalization with Israel and Arab states. “All involved must take steps to see an early return to negotiations and a prompt resolution of the conflict,” he said, “even if they are difficult or controversial. Mitchell will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem Tuesday.
Older news items:
|
