Xinhua
March 4, 2010 - 1:00am
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-03/04/c_13197457.htm


Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Thursday defended an Arab League (AL)'s decision authorizing Washington to lead indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinians for four months.

"This decision moves the ball in Israel's court," said Yasser Abed Rabbo, a member of the PLO's executive committee, in response to Islamic Hamas movement and other Palestinian factions that rejected any resumption of peace negotiations.

"The Arab decision has thrown light upon Israel. If it continues settlement activities, demolishing of Palestinian houses during the (talks), this would show the international community that Israel is responsible for sabotaging that political chance," Abed Rabbo told Voice of Palestine radio.

Abed Rabbo said the PLO's executive committee would meet on Sunday for a final decision on the U.S. proposal after it has been granted an Arab nod.

On Wednesday, an AL ministerial committee agreed on the U.S. offer to restore negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) though indirect talks.

PNA official said Wednesday the PNA is set to accept the U.S. proposal for indirect talks, while Islamic Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip, slammed AL for agreeing on the U.S. offer.

The Palestinian-Israeli peace talks have been stalled since December 2008.




TAGS:



American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017