Abbas considers indirect talks with Israel

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Saturday that he was considering the U.S. proposal to start indirect talks with Israel.

Abbas was referring to a proposal made by U.S. Mideast envoy, George Mitchell, who suggested that negotiations between Israel and the PA would take place in the format of proximity talks, similar to the indirect negotiations that Israel held with Syria under Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Mitchell proposes that he travel between Jerusalem and Ramallah, relaying messages to the two sides on various core issues, including borders, Jerusalem, refugees and security. At a later stage the talks might be taken over by low-level officials on both sides to evaluate if negotiations can be continued at top levels.

Speaking to reporters in London, Abbas said he intended to consult with other Arab states over the U.S. proposal. He said he was under no pressure from the Arab states to restart negotiations and instead emphasized the need for a complete building freeze in the settlements.

Abbas added that the PA and Israel had come to a security agreement that would be implemented once Israel Defense Forces troops pulled out of Palestinian land.

On Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the release of hundreds of Fatah prisoners as part of efforts to jump-start the peace talks.

Last week, after meeting with Mitchell, Netanyahu told the cabinet that he heard new ideas from the American administration on the efforts to resume peace talks.

Referring to Mitchel's proposal, Netanyahu said, "I expressed my hope that these ideas will enable the resumption of the process if the Palestinians express a similar interest in favor of all those who aspire for reconciliation in our region."