Senior PA (Palestinian Authority) negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat has confirmed meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, the daily Yisrael HaYom reports. It appears the 10-minutes meeting was held last week during the meeting of non-aligned nations in Sharm el-Sheikh. Erekat is quoted as adding this was not their first meeting, adding they also met during other conferences, including Davos and Riyadh.

An unnamed “senior source” in Abu Mazen’s office is also quoted, explaining the purpose of the meeting was to enable the PA to ensure Iran does not plan to torpedo diplomatic efforts at bridging factions within the PA.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday called on Iran to once and for all halt its nuclear program, calling for responsibility and transparency.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)