Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to indirect talks U.S. envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell announced, shortly after U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s arrival to Israel. Mitchell cautioned both sides to refrain from actions that may jeopardize the talks and said in the coming weeks he will shuttle between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Shortly after U.S. Vice President Joe Biden landed in Israel, the United States announced that Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to indirect peace talks brokered by U.S. envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell.
"We've begun to discuss the structure and scope of these talks and I will return to the region next week to continue our discussions," Mitchell said. "As we've said many times, we hope that these will lead to direct negotiations as soon as possible."
The announcement came hours after Israel announced it had approved the construction of 112 new apartments in Beitar Illit, Judea and Samaria, causing outrage among the Palestinians, who accused Israel of undermining efforts before the sides meet.
Mitchell on Monday appealed to both sides to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the talks. “We also again encourage the parties, and all concerned, to refrain from any statements or actions which may inflame tensions or prejudice the outcome of these talks,” he said.
At a meeting with Mitchell on Monday afternoon, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed concern over Israel’s approval of more housing units in Judea and Samaria, and raised doubts over the successful outcome of the talks. Abbas told Mitchell it appears that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is not serious about achieving peace.
"The president told Mitchell that if every visit by the US envoy would be accompanied by more settlement construction, unilateral measures, creating facts on the ground and the continuation of assassinations, detentions and closures of Palestinian lands, then this raises a question mark over all our efforts," Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told reporters after the meeting.
(AP contributed to this report) |
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