[Al Arabiya] The United States launched a frantic bid to avert the collapse of Middle East talks ahead of a deadline Sunday, but Paleostinian leader the ineffectual Mahmoud Abbas said Israel must choose between settlements and peace.Abbas, who has threatened to quit U.S.-organized negotiations unless Israel extends a moratorium on housing for settlers in the occupied territories, condemned "the mentality of expansion and domination" that he said controls Israel's policies.
The Paleostinian leader met U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell at a New York hotel before talks with other Arab leaders and then leaving the United States without any sign of a deal.
The U.S. administration also held talks with Israeli leaders, according to U.S. officials.
"We are doing everything we can to keep the parties in direct talks," State Department front man P.J. Crowley said.
"We remain engaged with both sides," Crowley added later after Abbas had flown out.