Veteran PA (Palestinian Authority) negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat continues to blame Israel for the death of Yasser Arafat YS”VZ. He warns that Israel today may possibly do the same to PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).

When speaking to the London-based al-Shark a-Awsat newspaper, Erekat explains the talks are not leading to agreement.

He told the English language Arabic media that the gap between the sides is enormous and the chances of reaching agreement are nil. He stressed that the current talks were set to span over nine months and the PA will not agree to extend this time period, “not even for a moment”.

Erekat explains that US Secretary of State John Kerry and the Americans are aware the current negotiating process will not be extended and there will not be any interim of temporary agreement. He continues to blame Israel for taking every possible opportunity to destroy the talks, citing the recent passing of a bill to annex the Jordan Valley by a ministerial committee.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)