BICOM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to resume direct negotiations with Israel in New York this week. Netanyahu called on Abbas “to open direct negotiations in New York, which would continue in Jerusalem and Ramallah.” Abbas for his part yesterday expressed his willingness to “meet any Israeli official, any time,” in an interview with Fox News. However, the PA President added “there is no use if there is nothing tangible.”

Abbas met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon yesterday, and reiterated his intention to submit to the Secretary-General on Friday an application for membership in the United Nations. Both Abbas and Netanyahu are scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Friday. Intense diplomatic activity is continuing to try and persuade the Palestinians not to submit the application. The US has made clear its objection to the Palestinian unilateral move, and its intention of using its veto in the Security Council. Members of the Quartet are continuing efforts, spearheaded by Tony Blair, to find an agreed basis for a renewal of direct negotiations between the parties. An alternative Palestinian move would be to seek the status of non-member state through the General Assembly.

Further reading

BICOM Spotlight section: UN Vote on Palestinian Statehood