US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday Israeli- Palestinian peace talks had run into difficulties but thought it still possible some agreement could be reached.| John thinks all sorts of stupid stuff, this is no exception... |
| You and I saw this coming so why Jahwn couldn't... |
| No illusions? The whole peace process is an illusion, Jahwn. The Paleos won't acknowledge Israel's right to exist and the Israelis won't agree to be massacred. That's why there's no peace. |
Both sides have been airing their frustration over a lack of progress on core issues such as the borders of a Palestinian state, security arrangements, the future of Israeli settlements in occupied territory and the fate of Palestinian refugees.
Abbas, in a speech broadcast on Monday, said: “After all the rounds of negotiations there is nothing on the ground.”
| What have you offered to change that? Answer: nothing. Paleos don't offer anything of consequence. Tell the Israelis that you'll recognize their nation, exchange ambassadors, agree to defensible borders and give up the right of return, and see how quickly you get a peace. |
Israel says continued housing construction in settlements, in areas it intends to keep in any peace accord, was part of those understandings, which led to the return home of long-serving Palestinian inmates convicted of killing Israelis. In tandem with the release of 26 men last week, Israel pressed ahead with plans to build 3,500 more settler homes in the West Bank, a move widely seen as an attempt by Netanyahu to placate hardliners in his government.
Nabil Abu Rdeineh, an Abbas spokesman, condemned the settlement campaign but said Palestinians remained committed to the negotiations.
“What’s required is a firm American position on Israel’s provocations. Israel is continuing its policy of putting obstacles in front of the peace process - every time Kerry comes to the region they announce more settlements.”
Abbas, speaking to his Fatah party on Sunday, voiced opposition to any such linkage, cautioning that “this equation could blow up the talks” and “there could be tensions soon”.
| Unlike today with no tensions at all, nope, nope... |