In response to Thursday’s decision, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying he is “ready to start direct and genuine talks with the Palestinian Authority in the coming days.” The prime minister added that direct talks will allow the sides to reach an agreement in the near future.
 

Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheik Hamad bin Jassem Al Thani, chaired the meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo.  He said that while Arab nations have endorsed direct Palestinian talks with the Israelis in principle, they have left the timing to the Palestinians themselves.

He said that the timing of direct talks "is a matter for the Palestinian side to decide."
He added that there would also be certain conditions upon which progress would depend.

"Of course, there is agreement, but agreement over the principles of what will be discussed and the manner of the direct negotiations," he said.
 

The League reportedly outlined conditions for negotiations including a time frame. The League’s foreign ministers also sent a letter to President Barack Obama explaining the decision on direct negotiations.

 

 Qatar’s Prime Minister said the forum had initially planned to oppose direct talks but decided to support the move due to serious situation in the region.

"We have confidence in America and in President Obama to reach peace, but the question is can that be achieved?" he said, while expressing doubt that it would be possible under current Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Abbas told the forum he has been under immense pressure.
 

"When I receive written assurances (about) accepting the 1967 border and halting the settlement (building), I will go immediately to the direct talks," he was quoted as saying in remarks reported by Egypt's state-owned news agency Thursday.

Abbas said he would take assurances either directly from Netanyahu or indirectly from the United States or the leaders of Egypt and Jordan, two Arab nations that have also acted as mediators between the two sides.


 

 (AP contributed to this report)