Abbas dismisses U.S. secretary of state's economic proposals, demands immediate concessions from Israel.
(WJD) The Palestinians appeared determined on Wednesday to stick to their demands for Israeli concessions before any negotiations take place, dismissing preliminary attempts by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to foster economic cooperation.
The situation is quite clear,” said an aide to P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas.
The Palestinians have stated that renewed negotiations must be based on a clear formula which will include the determination of Palestine’s borders and the release of prisoners. As long as Israel does not agree to this, we cannot talk of discussions that will lead to a settlement of the conflict.
The Palestinians have refused to enter talks without preconditions for several years, and in recent days they have upped the ante, demanding major territorial concessions before negotiations begin, even though the point of talks has always been to negotiate territorial concessions.
Instead of this, Kerry apparently offered a package of "economic incentives," hoping, perhaps, to use the P.A.'s dire economic situation as a way to get them back to the table.
Kerry appeared unfazed by the Palestinians' dismissive treatment of him, telling the press that the talks were "very constructive."
