Abbas urges U.S. to step into settlement dispute
Palestinian president calls for help to save peace talks as clock ticks toward end of Israel's West bank settlement freeze on Sept. 26,
By The Associated Press Tags: Middle East peace Israel settlements Mahmoud AbbasPalestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he has asked the U.S. to settle a dispute with Israel over settlement expansion that is threatening to derail Mideast peace talks.
Israel's 10-month partial freeze on new construction in West Bank settlements ends Sept. 26, and Israeli officials have indicated they will not extend the freeze as is. Abbas has said he'll quit peace talks with Israel unless the restrictions remain in place.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands with PA President Mahmoud Abbas, as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton looks on, September 3, 2010. |
| Photo by: Reuters |
Abbas said late Monday that he has asked the U.S. "to intervene in the settlement issue."
The Obama administration has promised an active role in the talks, Abbas told reporters accompanying him on his way back from Washington, where direct negotiations were launched last week after a hiatus of nearly two years.
"The U.S. will be present at the negotiations, not necessarily behind closed doors, but (U.S. mediators) can be inside the room, or outside," Abbas said.
Settlements take up land the Palestinians want for a state, and Abbas views Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision on the freeze as a test of his intentions.
President Barack Obama wants Abbas and Netanyahu to agree on the main principles of a peace deal within a year, but gaps remain wide. In Washington, Netanyahu - who long opposed Palestinian statehood before accepting the idea last year - struck a conciliatory tone, but the Palestinians still fear the Israeli leader plans to use the talks to buy time and establish more facts on the ground.
"Some say he is not serious and practicing PR," Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath told reporters on Tuesday, referring to Netanyahu. "But we are going to test him on two imminent issues - the settlement slowdown and then at the negotiating table."
In a message to the Israeli people on Tuesday ahead of the upcoming Jewish New Year, Netanyahu said the negotiations' success, while desired, "was not assured."
Abbas and Netanyahu will meet twice next week, first in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh and then in Jerusalem. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will attend both meetings.
The Israelis are negotiating with Abbas, who has limited governing power in the West Bank under Israel's overall security control. The Gaza Strip, located on the other side of Israel, is controlled by Abbas' rivals, the Islamic militants of Hamas, who do not recognize Israel and reject negotiations. Clashes and rocket fire are common along the Gaza-Israel border.
On Tuesday, Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a rocket into Israel. No one was hurt.
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The following is part of a speech given by the late Mr. Yitzhaq Rabin - the Prince of Peace, dubbed by many around the world - given before the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in October 1995, talking about the shape of a peace agreement as he envisioned it, and that was before the way Israel was attacked from the West Bank, 2000 and after the intensifications of attacks on Israel from Gaza, having left to territory in 2005... 1) Jerusalem will remain united under Israel's sovereignty and will also include suburbs such as Giv'at Zeev and Ma'aleh Adumim. 2) The major Jewish settlement blocs will be part of the sovereign state of Israel. 3) The Jordan Valley must be viewed in the widest possible way of its definition and it too will remain under Israel rule. 4) The future Palestinian state will be demilitarized and its border passes and skies will remain under Israel's control. This contour is more strict than Mr. Netanjahu is likely to propose, and Rabin was a leader of the left of center Labor party. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of Israel citizens, right, left and center, would agree with Rabin's AND Netanjahu's views of the shape of a future Muslim-Arab state in the regions of Samaria and Judeah. So, when we think of the details of an accommodation of peaceful coexistence between Arab and Jew, between the Muslim-Arab world and the nation-state of the Jewish people, Israel, let us do so with open eyes, ears, mind and heart, shall we...??
We are getting to close to a deal to allow the settlement issue to stand in the way. Now we can see if the PM has any guts.
israel will once again prove to be false. lieberman doesn't want any peace. most israelis say that there is no such thing as palestine. in the end hamas will be proven right, as they stated from the beginning that israel should never be trusted. they always present a show but never any substance.
I really wish the Israelis and Palestinians come to some sort of comprimise. This is so complicated.
No more concessions to Palestinians or to Abbas. It is enough, Abbas should at least give its own concession to Israel. May be, Abbas wants Barack Obama out of government, well, Obama is already out as he is no - longer needed after his first term. Full stop.
People give up your hopes on these talks. If they were ever successful, then long ago they would have been achieved. What ever was taking by force will only return by force, not direct talks.
Please read the book Six Days of War by Michael B. Oren, apparently you're missing the details of what you deem as 'conquered' land. The countries of Jordan, Egypt, Syria, with aid from Russia, Iraq, Morrocco, and all surrounding Arab states were intent on wiping Israel off the map, and taking Tel Aviv. Israel happened to win this war against all odds, with merely 2 million citizens at the time versus massively equipped large nations like Egypt. This is why the area has been 'conquered' and it remains in Israeli hands as it should, because it no longer belongs to Jordan. Jordan lost it, for wishing Israel's destruction at the time. Currently we're dealing with a territory that is strategically not to be trusted in the hands of the Palestinian Authority, or any other of the surrounded Arab nations that wish Israel's demise. It is Israeli territory and a buffer zone, without which Israel will be attacked again. The take away here is: If you attack a country to wipe it out, and you lose = you have no sovereignty over areas you lost. And that's the fair game. Jordan accepted this truth and made peace with Israel. The palestinians who live there, as are the settlers, are under the control of Israel until further notice. Please read your history before coming out with propaganda words without demonstrating that you conceptualize the entire set of events.
if Israel does not extend the settlement freeze... Promises! Promises! Always Promises!
Personally I think Abbas should let this issue ride. When a Palestinian state is created, well before 2012 I may add, the settlements or at a good portion thereof will be part of that state. Let's not be obstinate about what is in the big picture a triviality.
Even Abbas' facial expression reminds me of a two-year-old sitting on the floor and saying, "No, no, no!"
palestinians are going to fight
then don't complain when they get their butts kicked again, abdalla, you wanted this so their blood will be on your hands.
Abbas calling on the United States to intervene in his first manufactured crisis, of which, no doubt, this is but the first of many. He will walk out at the slightest opportunity, knowing full well that the Obama administration will bend over backwards for all sorts of reasons to placate him, if he would only, please, please, accept all the land being thrown at him for his terror state.
what settlement dispute? there is no settlement dispute. if this had anything to do with settlements, then these negotiations would have been taking place for the last 2 years. 2 years the arabs refused to talk to Israel. they claimed no negotiations while Israel was building, but there was no issue prior to 2 years ago. And what about the last 9 months, still nothing from them. Now Abass comes along and says that the building freeze needs to continue? Continue for what? If it would continue, would they recognize Israel as the jewish homeland, just as they demand Israel do for them? If there was a continuation of the freeze, will they stop demanding the influx of 5 million arab terrorists into Israel? While demanding that no jews are allowed in his country. Abbas urges this and Abbas urges that, thats all we ever hear from him. demands and demands. Abbas hopes to get as much as he can from Israel without negotiating. The issue really is, that abbas has no ability to negotiate. At each step he runs to the arab union for their ok and authority. They have no intention of recognizing Israels right to exist as a jewish state. The arabs have no intention of ending the conflict. The arabs have no intention of honoring Israels rights over its holy places. They have no intention of keeping Hamas, Iran and Al Quada from creating another front to attack Israel. Abass still feels they can take Israel apart peace by pieces and that’s the real issue here.
What propaganda ! Palestinians have always claimed the 67 borders as a basis for negociations. This is not something new. Where was the "jewish homeland" demand 40 years ? nowhere. Arafat accepted all UN resolutions in 88 and the State of Israel. What was Israel's response to that ? Israel's policy consists of making sure that their demands are impossible so that they can continue building in Jerusalem, the WB pushing the region to religious extremism. Since 40 years Israel has built and built and built, destroying houses and chasing palestinians from their homes, allowing thousands of people from around the world to settle. Don't tell me you're surprised ! israelis want palestinian to cave to their demands only. Israel uses military force to ensure this is done. Israel is responsible for most of what's going on with the palestinians. No israeli leader had ever had the guts to recognize a palestinian State and dismantle all settlements. Remember what happened to Rabin ? Arafat never got killed because he recognised Israel. Now stop whining. if Israel really wanted peace, it would have been done a long time ago. Israel wants the land, all the land.
"This right was recognized in the Balfour Declaration of the 2nd November, 1917, and re-affirmed in the Mandate of the League of Nations which, in particular, gave international sanction to the historic connection between the Jewish people and Eretz-Israel and to the right of the Jewish people to rebuild its National Home. " .... "ACCORDINGLY WE, MEMBERS OF THE PEOPLE'S COUNCIL, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF ERETZ-ISRAEL AND OF THE ZIONIST MOVEMENT, ARE HERE ASSEMBLED ON THE DAY OF THE TERMINATION OF THE BRITISH MANDATE OVER ERETZ-ISRAEL AND, BY VIRTUE OF OUR NATURAL AND HISTORIC RIGHT AND ON THE STRENGTH OF THE RESOLUTION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HEREBY DECLARE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A JEWISH STATE IN ERETZ-ISRAEL, TO BE KNOWN AS THE STATE OF ISRAEL. "
Israel profits by avoiding peace. The profit is expanded settlements, American aid, and pacification of Israels right wing. Israel also profits by talking peace. The profit is even more American aid and concessions, and pacification of the EU and other international critics.
The Palestinians must be the ones who profit most by avoiding peace since: A) They have rejected every single peace offer... and... B) They have rejected negotiations for quite some time as well.
Israel and the Israeli public as deemed by who they vote for) view their interests in terms of maintaining control over the Old City of Jerusalem and expanding their territory. Abbas is only helping Israel's interests by walking out of the peace talks. More time to take more land and solidify control over "East" Jerusalem. Abbas is the only loser here.
Mohammad Javad Ardashir Larijani Secretary General of Iran's high council for human rights claims Copehagen will be Muslim in 10-15 years based on their own statistics probably on 2020-2025 Copenhagen is the FIRST European city where most of its people will become Muslim
1. Idea for the Palestinians: Some settlers say that they will remain in their settlements even if they are turned over to Palestine. Fine, accept such settlements in your territory. They will start declining right away (with residents escaping) when they get no assistance from Palestine government for teachers etc until they are brought to the level of Arab schools. Likewise, water, electricity and other services. Even better, don't offer immunity for crimes the settlers committed against Arabs. Many will end up in jail, so give them the option to disappear. The PROBLEM: The settlers say anything that would prevent Israel from giving up the settlements. They will OBJECT to this creative idea once it seems acceptable, claiming they are being abandoned./// 2. Idea for Israel: Just before Passover, spread a lot of Hametz (bread, etc) over the settlements. Can be done from the air. The settlers will have to sell the settlement to a goy (Arab) for Pesach (of course very cheaply, since he is expected to sell it back after the holiday). After the holiday, the Arab should refuse to sell it back. The settlers' rabbis recognize the sale as valid. End of story. (Note: Better that the government should do the sale, but under the supervision of a settler grand rabbi.)
They wouldnt have to sell the land because someones chametz fell on it. You are ignorant of Jewish law.Really foolish statements they reflect on your general understanding of issues. Israel conquered the land in 1967 it belongs to Israel they may build there. Furthermore most of the Palestinians ran away from that land and Dayan invited them back from Jordan to where they had fled during the war(maybe others fled to other places too) . They weren't thankful they started a new miniwar and are trying to make they're own country. However the issue here is returning this land which belongs to Israel for peace.If there is peace The Israeli Jews who live there will live under the Palestinian authority just like Arab Israelis in Israel proper
Jack, if you want to deal with legal matters, you have to have more respect for facts. Let us go thru a couple: 1. "Israel conquered the land in 1967 it belongs to Israel they may build there." Have you heard of the concept "occupied territory?" What do you think it means, and what does international law say about building there? 2. most of the Palestinians ran away from that land and Dayan invited them back". I believe about 14,000 were allowed back to the West bank. What percentage do you think they form of the West Bankers? Do you know how to use a calculator?/// As far as Passover, did you hear of the term "hatzero shel adam qonah"? Of course the settlers can disavow the Hametz, but this is also done with the Hametz at home by "bitul hametz" (if you heard about this one). And nevertheless one has to sell the Hametz to a goy. Now go and ask your Melamed a few questions about history and about law, Jewish and General. Ask him to put some honey on the words so you will lick and love to absorb them.
peace means the end of land grabbing. Enough is enough!
If Jews live on land and grow there, it's land grabbing. If Arabs live on land and grow there, it's not. Arabs control 99.8% of the Middle East and kicked most of their Jews out. Israel has a 20% Arab population. Anti-Israelis are morons.
No attacks are carried out in West Bank Have PA forces impose this If it requires limitations on liberty, movement and other infringements so be it Settlements
Why bother going through theis stage set if he does not want to negotiate.
israeli look like spoiled children.
...and just like spoiled children, they want it all...
He said that once a treaty is reached, Palestinians would not "accept any Israeli presence, whether civilian or military, on the Palestinian territories." now I call that ethnic cleansing. what does the left here at haaretz and in europe call it? what does obama call it? why should jewish civilians who wish to stay in the new state of palestine not be allowed once a peace deal is signed? what would the world say if israel said the same thing and that pals are not welcome in the jewish state after a peace is signed? what trash abbas is....a liar and quickly we will see the mask ripped off his ugly face.
Try something else...like thinking!
There should be no Israeli military forces in this new country nor should they have to accept the Jews in the settlements. Both nations would accept tourism and the right of pasage including between the West Bank and Gaza. The other advantage to a peace deal is once it is signed, Hamas in Gaza can get all the attention it needs.
Mr PM You are another naive victim of Arafat "piece by piece process" Please do not start another series of gestures and concessions that will mark you in history as the salami sucker