Abbas Says No Talks Without Gaza Truce
By MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH Associated Press Writer
RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday he would not resume peace talks until Israel reaches a truce in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
Abbas suspended U.S.-backed peace talks earlier this week to protest Israel's crackdown in Gaza.
"The negotiations must be started, but after the truce," Abbas said. "Once the truce is achieved, the road will be open for negotiations."
He said Rice told him she would send an envoy to Egypt, which often mediates between Israel and Hamas. "There are real efforts being exerted by Egypt for the truce," Abbas said.
Although Abbas did not mention Hamas by name, his aides said the Islamic group must clearly be part of any deal. Hamas seized control of Gaza from Abbas' forces last year, and he wields little influence in the area.
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***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***
Palestinians Will Resume Peace Talks
By AMY TEIBEL
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday he will resume peace talks with Israel, backing off a threat to boycott negotiations until Israel reaches a truce with Hamas militants in Gaza.
"The peace process is a strategic choice and we have the intention of resuming the peace process," he said in a statement. He did not say when talks would restart, but visiting Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said a U.S. general overseeing implementation of "the road map" peace plan would hold his first joint meeting with Israelis and Palestinians next week.
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Pertinent Links:
1) Abbas Says No Talks Without Gaza Truce
2) Palestinians Will Resume Peace Talks
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
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