Erekat: deep divide between Israelis and Palestinians on Israeli settlements
3 Jun 2008
Palestinian Liberation Organization Chief Negotiator Sa’eb Erekat described the differences between the Israelis and Palestinians on Israeli settlements in the West Bank as "strong, deep and intricate."
His comments came following Monday's meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
During a press conference at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah on Monday, Erekat said that the Israeli decision to expand existing West Bank settlements, issued before the Abbas-Olmert meeting in Jerusalem, was an intrinsic part of the meeting.
Erekat added that during the meeting the final status negotiations were reviewed and evaluated. He confirmed that the Palestinian side is committed to the main target of the peace process which is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
Truce
Erekat denied that Egyptian-brokered ceasefire talks between resistance factions in the Gaza Strip and Israel had been aborted, confirming that they are still ongoing.
He told reporters that Abbas had confirmed to Olmert that he welcomed the Turkish mediation between Syria and Israel over the Golan Heights, expressing his hopes that both sides would resume comprehensive negotiations.
Erekat clarified that the issue of Palestinian prisoners was raised during the meeting. Olmert has promised to consider Abbas’ demand for the release of long-term prisoners, including women and children.
Deportees
Erekat confirmed the Palestinian Authority (PA) had refused Israel's offer of allowing four of the 39 Palestinians deported to the Gaza Strip and Europe after the 2002 Church of the Nativity siege in Bethlehem.
Following the 40-day siege 26 Palestinians were exiled to the Gaza Strip and 13 to various European countries.
He said that Abbas demanded 10,000 new Palestinain identity cards for Palestinians who have been granted family reunification permits. He said Abbas had secured initial agreement from the Israelis. The names will be announced when the procedures are finalised.
Abbas also raised with Olmert the issue of 3,000 houses under demolition order in Area C, asking that the order be retracted. According to Erekat, the two premiers also discussed checkpoints, closures and blockades in the West Bank.
A spokesman from Olmert’s office said Olmert told Abbas that the political process between both sides will continue in spite of the current internal crisis in Israel. Olmert has pledged to work towards reaching an agreement regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state before the end of 2008.
During the meeting with Abbas, Olmert confirmed Israel's intention to continue construction in Jewish neighborhoods of Jerusalem to accommodate residential growth.