Palestinian Authority gives US two weeks to get direct peace talks resumed

[News_Editor]

Palestinian Authority gives US two weeks to get direct peace talks resumed

2010-11-05 08:44:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Thursday said that the Palestinian Authority will give the United States at least two weeks to get the direct peace talks with Israel resumed.

Erekat met with George Mitchell, the United states Middle East envoy, as well as with other U.S. officials in order to find a solution to the impasse in the Israel-Palestine peace process. The direct peace talks were halted after Israel did not renew the settlement freeze moratorium in Gaza on September 26.

According to Erekat, U.S. officials are working tirelessly and around the clock in order to find a solution for the Middle East conflict, but such resolution would probably take two or three more weeks to be achieved.

"If the Americans needed two more weeks they can have the two more weeks," PLO negotiator Erekat said. "We're waiting to hear from the Americans and there is no reason to convene the Arab follow-up committee until we hear what the Americans have to offer."

On October 9, the Arab League issued a 30-day deadline for the United States to find a solution that will allow the resumption of the direct peace negotiations. However, Erekat said that Palestine were willing to give more time if the U.S. needed it.

Erekat remarked that ultimately the final decision lays in the hands of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "They key is in Netanyahu's hands. The choice is his: settlements or peace. He cannot have both," the Palestinian negotiator added.

PM Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the United States next week in what could be the most important meeting regarding the future of the negotiations. Netanyahu will meet with Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"The United States is committed to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. That includes a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that results in two states, Israel and Palestine," Mitchell said after the meeting with Erekat.

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