Posted on 09/26/2010 6:48:32 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says his government has decided "to enter into final status negotiations."
He made the announcement one day before the 10-month freeze on Israeli settlement construction in Palestinian territory was set to expire.
Addressing the annual general debate of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said there would be no peace deal with Israel unless it stops settlement construction in areas the Palestinians claim for their future state.
Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President, said, "Our demand for the cessation of settlement activities, the lifting of the blockade, and putting an end to illegal Israeli policies and practices do not constitute preconditions that are alien to the peace process."
Abbas reaffirmed the Palestinian commitment to try to reach a peace deal.
Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian President, said, "Proceeding from our general desire for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region we have decided to enter into final status negotiations. We will make every effort to reach an agreement to reach Palestinian-Israeli peace within one year in accordance with the resolution of international legitimacy, the Arab Peace Initiative, the Road Map, and the vision of a two-state solution."
Abbas and other Palestinian negotiators previously threatened to walk out of direct peace talks which resumed in Washington earlier this month, if Israel does not extend the lay off on settlement construction.
Israel has partially frozen settlement construction in the West Bank, which is due to expire on Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will not extend the restrictions over the settlement construction, despite public calls from U.S. President Barack Obama to do so.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.xinhuanet.com ...
The Arabs are still stuck on Rejection
Israpundit | Sept 26/10 | Ted Belman
Posted on 09/26/2010 12:58:44 PM PDT by tedbel
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2596600/posts
Who cares? Abbas is an empty suit and any agreement with him is worthless.
Absolutely none of this matters at all... When the Palestinians and their allies stop proclaiming that Israel does not have a right to exist, progress might (little chance but slim) be made. These idiots want the destruction of Israel more than they want a state or any kind or freedom.
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