The Briefing Room
General Category => World News => Topic started by: flowers on December 16, 2013, 10:10:28 pm
-
http://freebeacon.com/report-palestinians-reject-kerry-peace-plan/
Secretary of State John Kerry’s Middle East peace plan appeared to unravel late last week after Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas rejected “most” of the key details, according to regional experts and media reports.
Kerry landed in Israel on Thursday for another round of talks between Palestinian and Israeli leaders as he pushes them to accept the parameters of a U.S.-backed security plan and interim agreement.
However, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly rejected many key elements of the deal, claiming that it was too kind to Israel.
“This looks like a plan drafted by Israel,” Abbas reportedly told Jordanian King Abdullah II, according to Israel Hayom.
“Before meeting with Kerry, Abbas told Jordanian King Abdullah II that he intends to reject most of the points suggested in the American proposal,” a senior Palestinian official was quoted as telling the Israeli paper.
While U.S. officials hope to have the framework for final status agreement between the two sides by April, Abbas’ refusal to bargain could delay the process.
U.S. intermediaries appear to be taking their time in a bid to push the players into accepting a framework agreement that would set the table for future final status talks.
“It’s not like there is a plan and they have to say, ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’” said one U.S. source familiar with the negotiations. “It’s an ongoing and intense discussion between the parties and the Americans on how to address security issues in a two state solution.”
Despite media reports claiming that talks have stalled, both sides continue to quietly meet.
“The negotiators are meeting regularly and the meetings are serious and ongoing,” said the source.
Kerry made a similar point on Sunday when he declined to discuss exact details of the talks during an interview with ABC’s “This Week.”
“I think it’s much better for us to do exactly what we’ve been doing, which is negotiate quietly and privately,” Kerry was quoted as saying.