Middle East News
Report: Palestinians mull counter offer to direct talks
Aug 15, 2010, 9:59 GMT
Cairo - The Palestinian Authority (PA) is considering options to counter what it says is increasing pressure from Washington to begin direct negotiations with Israel, a pan-Arab daily reported Sunday.
Al-Hayat cited Palestinian sources as saying that discussions have been held on the matter during the past weeks, including the option of utilizing the last resort of dissolving the PA.
Azzam Al-Ahmad, an official with the Fatah movement of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, told the paper that the US had yet to respond to conditions the Arab League has placed on the direct talks, which include a settlement freeze and clear timeframe for the round of negotiations.
A US response was expected early in the week.
US President Barak Obama's administration has so far been brokering 'proximity talks' between the sides this year, but has been recently pushing for direct negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Haaretz daily reported that Abbas will announce the start of direct peace talks in 'a matter of days'.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Middle East
- 1. Jerusalem prelate tells Arab Spring youth to have confidence
- 2. More than 100 killed in Syria ahead of ceasefire deadline
- 3. At least 43 killed in Syria, despite UN criticism
- 4. 19 killed in Syria as ceasefire deadline approaches
- 5. Pilgrims flock to Jerusalem for Easter, Passover
Older Talkback
