In his meeting in Washington with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, PA chief negotiator Ahmed Quriea (Abu Ala) explained there would be no deal reached between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) without an agreement on Jerusalem.

“No deal without Jerusalem and no state without Jerusalem,” the senior PA official stressed, explaining Jerusalem is imperative to his people and there can be no compromise.

When asked by members of the press if a deal would be hammered out between the PA and Israel by the end of 2008, he responded, “God knows”. He added both sides do indeed want an agreement, but he requires a deal that will result in the return of rights to his people.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)