Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Arabs give Palestinian-Israeli indirect talks 'final' chance
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Arabs give Palestinian-Israeli indirect talks 'final' chance
AFP - Thursday, March 4
Send
IM Story
Print
Palestinian president Mahmud Abass (centre) answers a question during a press conference flanked by aides Saeb Erekat (left) and Palestinian ambassador to Egypt Nabil Amr. Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo agreed to back indirect Palestinian-Israeli talks for a duration of four months, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told AFP.
CAIRO (AFP) - – Arab foreign ministers agreed on Wednesday to back one last round of indirect Palestinian-Israeli talks despite scepticism over Israel's readiness to revive peace efforts, Arab League chief Amr Mussa said.
The move, which was swiftly welcomed by Israel, came after months of US-led shuttle diplomacy, with Arab foreign ministers insisting the talks should conclude within four months.
"Despite a lack of conviction over Israel's seriousness, (Arab foreign ministers) will give indirect talks a chance, for the final time, in order to facilitate US efforts, within four months," Mussa said after two days of talks.
"There was a consensus that Israel is not interested in peace, the proof being what is taking place on occupied land... acts which are meant to provoke the Arab and American sides," Mussa added.
In their discussions in the Egyptian capital, the ministers agreed there "were legitimate questions about the effectiveness of the US role," he said.
Negotiations have been on ice since Israel launched a devastating attack on the Gaza Strip in December 2008.
The Palestinians have said they will only return to the negotiating table if Israel first halts all settlement construction in the occupied West Bank.
But Israel has agreed only to a 10-month freeze that excludes public buildings and annexed Arab east Jerusalem, failing to satisfy the Palestinians.
US Middle East envoy George Mitchell proposed US-brokered indirect talks as a way of getting around the deadlock.
Israel welcomed the Arab ministers' endorsement of indirect talks.
Israel welcomes Arab backing for indirect peace talks
"We welcome this decision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been continually calling for peace talks, and we hope that now the talks can move forward," government spokesman Mark Regev told AFP.
In their final statement, Arab ministers stressed that any direct negotiations could only take place if there is a "complete halt of settlement activity on all occupied land, including Jerusalem."
"US-proposed indirect talks will not bear fruit if Israeli violations continue, which would lead to the failure of talks," they said.
There has been no let-up in Israeli settlement construction outside the limited 10-month moratorium Netanyahu announced in November.
On Friday, Israeli daily Haaretz reported that the government had given the green light for 600 new homes in a Jewish settlement in east Jerusalem, drawing US criticism.
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas had briefed the Arab ministers in the Follow-Up Committee for Peace about the US proposals on Tuesday.
The committee draws representatives from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, as well as the Palestinian Authority.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, who was notably absent from Tuesday's meeting and joined Arab top diplomats for their ordinary session on Wednesday, said that backing indirect talks was outside the committee's mandate.
"The decision to go to indirect or direct talks is a Palestinian decision," he told the Arab League.
The ministers said the talks should be based on the principles of a 2002 Arab peace initiative, which calls for full normalisation with Israel in exchange for a complete withdrawal by Israel from Arab land, the creation of a Palestinian state and an "equitable" solution for Palestinian refugees.
Going into Tuesday's consultations with the Arab ministers, Abbas had said he would base his decision on whether to join indirect talks with Israel on the outcome of the meeting.
Palestinian spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina had called on delegates to accept the principle of indirect talks.
"Israel does not want to return to the negotiating table. But it wishes to blame the Palestinian side, saying that the Palestinians do not want to enter into negotiations," Abu Rudeina said.
"So we must put a stop to this pretext and reveal Israel's true position before the international community and the American administration."
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
Troop influx reins in Chile looting AFP - 2 hours 51 minutes ago
Ethiopia aid diverted for rebel arms in 1980s: BBC AFP - Thursday, March 4
Greece piles on austerity, seeks EU safety net Reuters - Thursday, March 4
US supports trade ban on tuna AFP - Thursday, March 4
US, EU say new nuclear sanctions needed against Iran AFP - Thursday, March 4
News Search
Top Stories
Greece announces more cuts, EU welcomes steps
Europe seeks to outline common growth strategy
Greece announces crisis budget cuts
Greece to make cuts of 4.8 billion euros: state TV
Greek ministers meet to avert bankruptcy
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Chile quake moved Earth's axis, shortened days: scientist
NASA radar finds ice on moon's north pole
Japan passes record $1 trillion budget
Greece risks 'bankruptcy' without radical action: PM
Common weed-killer chemically castrates frogs: study
More Most Viewed »
Chile quake moved Earth's axis, shortened days: scientist
Florida killer whale to stay in park after deadly attack
DNA reveals some mystery on King Tut, raises questions
Scientists recreate Big Bang heat of 4 tln degrees C
First footage of clouded leopard captured in Borneo
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Thursday, 4 March 2010 Pennsylvania Man Admits To Running Through The Woods Shirtless Punching Trees
'Corrections Idol' Promotes Positivity, Creativity In Florida Jail
Angry Parents Allegedly Set Fire To Philippine School
Chinese University Student Says He Killed Roommate Over Snoring
Quadriplegic Accidentally Falls Into Mosh Pit At AC/DC Concert, Impales Eye
German Family Wins U.S. Asylum To Home-School Children
Madam In Eliot Spitzer Prostitution Scandal Running For Governor
Pennsylvania Man Killed By Pet Bull
Dad Beats, Binds, Gags Two Small Children
Pigs Pig Out In Plantation
"Provocative" Iran invites more sanctions
Ukraine PM Tymoshenko toppled in parliament vote
Fridges talk to washing machines at high-tech fair
Greece announces more cuts, EU welcomes steps
Spain smashes infected global computer network
Greece announces crisis budget cuts
Kagame calls for trial for accused Rwandan widow
Washington Post unveils paid news app for iPhone
Greece to make cuts of 4.8 billion euros: state TV
Skype comes to Nokia smartphones, companies say
Pope Benedict to make high-profile visit to Spain
Lenovo takes aim at mobile Internet, China market
Reluctant Pashtuns hamper Afghan recruitment drive
|
Israel silent on Dubai call for Netanyahu arrest
Arabs give Palestinian-Israeli indirect talks 'final' chance
US-TECH Summary
Kagame assures Rwanda safe after grenade blasts
|
Mobile transfers save money and lives in Somalia
Iran 'weapon traffickers' arrested in Italy
Skype comes to Nokia smartphones, companies say
US supports trade ban on tuna
Obama to launch final push for health overhaul
Microsoft COO sees gradual recovery, client caution
|
Viacom to drop Jon Stewart, Colbert Report from Hulu
|
Indonesia lawmakers back criminal probe on bailout
Ethiopia aid diverted for rebel arms in 1980s: BBC
South Korea to get 'homework' after Ivory Coast win
Australia, Japan win last Asian Cup qualifiers
Japan's prince regrets Masako can't join him on Africa trip
Obama calls for simple majority vote on healthcare
Philippines' Arroyo defends economic record
Malaysian woman meets royals over caning sentence
Three suspected Jemmah Islamiyah allies held in Philippines
China puts economy first as parliamentary season begins
US veterans return to Iwo Jima for 65th reunion
Stress on economy as China holds annual meetings
Asian newcomers take stage at Geneva Motor Show
Many nominees, new stars feed Oscar fashion frenzy
|
Naomi Campbell off the hook on assault accusation
|
Viacom to drop Jon Stewart, Colbert Report from Hulu
|
Sade leads pop chart for third week
|
India's Toonz Animation makes US push
Second gay marriage in Argentina
Slovak push to promote patriotism draws fire
Vietnam welcomes Buddha relics
Mohawks kick non-aboriginals off lands in Quebec
Spain smashes infected global computer network
30 Taliban, one Pakistani soldier killed in clash: military
British police arrest 3 for terror funding
Chile keeps shaking, rattling survivors
|
Haitian radio host honored for 'tweeting' on quake
Markets look to ECB to end easy money policies
Two killed as cruise ship hit by freak waves off Spain
Clinton fails to win over Brazil on Iran
US economy shows green shoots in winter
Suicide blasts kill 33 ahead of Iraq polls
Dutch anti-Islam leader is major winner in polls
|
Book to aid Haiti quake victims goes on sale
US, EU call for new nuclear sanctions against Iran
China says 2010 defense budget to rise 7.5 percent
|
Greece announces more cuts, EU welcomes steps
'I have nothing to explain', Chavez tells Spain
U.S. military questions Karzai's steps on corruption
|
Nortel gets U.S., Canadian court OK to sell unit
Europe seeks to outline common growth strategy
Google backs HTC in Apple patent suit
Haiti wants more information on foreign aid
|
EU envoy visits Haiti, defends lateness of trip
Spanish "botnet" potent enough to attack country: police
Chavez rejects Spanish claim of links to rebels
|
U.N.-backed mission launched against Congo rebels
|
Earthquake injures 11 in Taiwan; damage limited
|
Nobel winners push for Myanmar regime to face court
|
U.S. military questions Karzai's steps on corruption
Obama demands final vote on health care
14 suspected terrorists charged in Indonesian Aceh
Obama seeks to push healthcare to final vote
Obama: Congress must 'finish its work' on health overhaul
30 militants, 1 soldier killed in Pakistan battle
Ethiopia aid diverted for rebel arms in 1980s: BBC
Internet cafe ban call draws Chinese hacker wrath
Indonesia president to address nation on bank bailout
China's defence budget to rise 7.5 percent in 2010
Pakistan kills up to 30 militants near Afghan border
Thailand offers tourists free insurance
Pacquiao shoots for fireworks against Clottey
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Nortel gets U.S., Canadian court OK to sell unit
|
SKorea: NKorea crossed border to hunt for defector
Size matters at Geneva Motor Show
S.Korea buys 3,000 T non-western aluminium
Movie milestone 'Avatar' eyes Oscars gold
NZ dollar slides further across the board
PAKISTAN
Toyota Prius tops Japan sales despite recall woes
Prius tops Japan February sales amid Toyota woes
Seoul shares edge up; securities firms weigh
Taiwan chip, LCD makers see no big quake damage
RPT-UPDATE 1-S.Korea bond prices rise on rumours -traders
Seoul shares open up on shipyards, autos
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
U.S. bomb expert says "Hurt Locker" stole his story
U.S. bomb expert says Hurt Locker stole his story
|
Jeff Bridges among Oscar gamblers' top picks
Movie milestone 'Avatar' eyes Oscars gold
Jeff Bridges among Oscar gamblers' top picks
|
Controversies big and small dog Oscars contenders
Israeli film Ajami gets real, aims for Oscar
|
Burt Reynolds recovering after heart surgery
|
Bullock on brink of bizarre double as Oscars loom
Israeli film "Ajami" gets real, aims for Oscar
Burt Reynolds recovering after heart surgery
Winter yet again, but designers upbeat
Many nominees, new stars feed Oscar fashion frenzy
Seven Iraqi soldiers killed as early voting starts
Far-right celebrates breakthrough in Dutch polls
Europe's economic recovery stalls: EU
Attacks kill 12 as Iraqi troops and police vote
|
Samsung unveils fridge with built-in Internet
UK resists S. Africa pressure on Zimbabwe sanctions
Egypt court orders retrial in diva murder case
Greek protestors occupy finance ministry
Israel, Palestinians set for indirect talks
Five killed in Baghdad attack as voting begins
Fabled Afghan province of Nuristan keeps US at bay
Israel, Palestinians set for indirect talks
|
Afghan army countering Taliban infiltration: spokesman
|
Attacks kill 12 as Iraqi troops and police vote
German court jails Islamists for foiled U.S. attacks
|
Early voting begins in Iraq general election
India temple stampede kills 63 people: police
|
Britain in law change bid after Israel warrant row
New woe for Vatican as usher linked to prostitution
|
Samsung unveils fridge with built-in Internet
Robbers kidnap 5 year-old British boy in Pakistan
NKorea pressures SKorea to restart joint tours
28K fake Louis Vuitton goods seized in Philippines
Pakistan PM to attend US nuclear summit
German court jails Islamists for anti-US plot
Katrina victims seek to sue greenhouse gas emitters
Thailand denies visa to Dalai Lama's sister
Facebook CEO in no rush for IPO
|
Olympus eyes 20 percent share in high-end digicam
|
US pledges to mend ties, China says
India: 63 dead, dozens injured in temple stampede
Strong earthquake hits Taiwan; 12 people injured
Afghanistan to block some Internet sites: minister
|
Morgan Stanley strikes deal to sell China bank stake: report
Pakistani stocks up; rupee firms; o/n rates down
Japan manufacturers' capital spending drops
Toyota Prius tops Japan sales for 10th month
S.Korea ex-fin min denies c.bank rumour -media
Pakistani c.bank sells 14.3 bln rupees of T-bills
Indonesia premier to address nation over bank deal
Georgia looks to bring unique cuisine to world's tables
Many nominees, new stars feed Oscar fashion frenzy
|
Cyprus Maronites battle to preserve ancestral language
"Korean Wave" is ebbing but new cultural surge expected
Burt Reynolds recovering after heart surgery
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights