Peace talks 'difficult' for Abbas amid settlement
Friday, 12 March 2010
The Palestinian Authority has said indirect talks with Israel will be 'very difficult' if more homes are built on occupied land as planned, reports BBC.
Israel announced the plan for 1,600 more homes in occupied East Jerusalem shortly before a peace process visit by US Vice-President Joe Biden.
Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat said they had "demanded that the Americans help us revoke this order."
The indirect talks were to be the first steps in resuming stalled peace talks.
Mr Erakat, speaking to the BBC, emphasised that "it is very difficult for us to engage in any negotiations unless the order [to build the homes] is revoked".
President Mahmoud Abbas had notified the Arab League secretary-general Amr Moussa and Mr Biden of his difficulties with the talks and settlements, Mr Erakat said.
According to Mr Erakat: "He told Moussa, 'I am waiting for [US Middle East envoy George] Mitchell to come back next week to give us the answer that the [settlements] decision has been cancelled'."
Israel announced the plan for 1,600 more homes in occupied East Jerusalem shortly before a peace process visit by US Vice-President Joe Biden.
Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat said they had "demanded that the Americans help us revoke this order."
The indirect talks were to be the first steps in resuming stalled peace talks.
Mr Erakat, speaking to the BBC, emphasised that "it is very difficult for us to engage in any negotiations unless the order [to build the homes] is revoked".
President Mahmoud Abbas had notified the Arab League secretary-general Amr Moussa and Mr Biden of his difficulties with the talks and settlements, Mr Erakat said.
According to Mr Erakat: "He told Moussa, 'I am waiting for [US Middle East envoy George] Mitchell to come back next week to give us the answer that the [settlements] decision has been cancelled'."