PLO demands settlements freeze before peace talks

[Jefferson23]

Oct.3, 2010

Palestinian leadership blames Israel for being obstructive as US mediators seek compromise

By Donald Macintyre in Jerusalem

Leaders of the main moderate Palestinian factions yesterday voted to oppose further negotiations while building continues in Jewish settlements, amid increasing US frustration at Israel's refusal to prolong a 10-month moratorium on construction.


The Palestinian Liberation Organisation executive decided that any resumption of direct peace talks – the first for 21 months – "requires tangible steps, the first of them a freeze on settlements". A senior PLO official, Yasser Abed Rabbo, said after yesterday's meeting in Ramallah: "The Palestinian leadership holds Israel responsible for obstructing the negotiations."

Snip* Diplomats report increased annoyance in Washington over Mr Netanyahu's rejection of a draft letter drawn up by the State Department and a senior Israeli official promising – in return for a 60-day extension of the moratorium – massive military aid, a veto on any UN Security Council resolution criticising Israel over the next year, and support for a continued Israeli military presence in the Jordan Valley after the launch of a Palestinian state. The draft also reportedly contained a pledge not to ask for a further extension after the 60-day period ran out.

US presidential envoy George Mitchell and EU High Representative Cathy Ashton both visited the region last week in a vain effort to break the impasse.

Meanwhile, Mr Netanyahu has been pinning the blame for deadlock on the Palestinians, saying that the partial freeze had been ordered 10 months ago, but that Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, only agreed to direct negotiations starting last month. "Now I expect the Palestinians to show some flexibility. Everyone knows that measured and restrained building in Judea and Samaria in the coming year will have no influence on the peace map."

in full: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/plo-demands-settlements-freeze-before-peace-talks-2096368.html

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

2. Yes, but only a decade or two ago so you may not have noticed yet.

Enjoy your stay.

[azurnoir]

3. While I understand the PLO's position IMO the PLO should stay

stay in the talks because it would force Netanyahu to make good on his words something IMO he is depending on never ever having to do. Now understand I do not believe that these talks will result in a Palestinian state at least not right away, however IMO Netanyahu is unable to deliver on any concession of land or anything else and walking away lets him off the hook so to speak

[whosinpower]

4. I think they should stay too nt.

[oberliner]

5. Not looking promising

Does not appear to be much flexibility on either side.