- RAMALLAH, West Bank: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been told he needs to move to direct talks with Israel quickly if he wants President Barack Obama’s help establishing a Palestinian state.
According to an internal Palestinian document obtained by The Associated Press, US envoy George Mitchell delivered the message this month.
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Monday confirmed parts of the 36-page document. Erekat said Abbas was told that “if he wants Obama’s help, then he needs to go to direct talks.” But Erekat said there was no US warning that it would not be able to ensure a continued Israeli settlement slowdown without direct negotiations.
The West Bank construction curb ends in September.
Israel’s prime minister said Monday he will not extend it.