Speaking with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) host Razi Barkai on Tuesday morning 17 Tammuz 5773, senior PA negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat explains the PA (Palestinian Authority) position regarding negotiations with Israel. Dr. Erekat spoke in English. Barkai asked questions in English and then gave a Hebrew synopsis for listeners.

Galei Tzahal:

Is it true that there is no longer a precondition to talks regarding the 1967 borders and Israel in return will release prisoners in a goodwill gesture?

Erekat:

No, no Razi it is not like that. One nine six seven is the basis for the two-state solution. If this goes down then the negotiations go down. We don’t have preconditions. All that we want from the prime minister of the State of Israel is fair negotiations – we want to negotiate with you. Is asking for the agenda for negotiations a precondition? Is asking the Israeli government to show its responsibilities and obligations, like freeing prisoners and stopping settlements which is an obligation a precondition?

Galei Tzahal:

Does this mean the 1967 border should be the first item if and when talks resume?

Erekat:

I am not going to talk about Alaska, Nigeria, or Ecuador. There is a particular item and this is what will be on the agenda. So when we sit with Mr. Netanyahu at the table what is the agenda? If you say no to military, no to Jerusalem, no to 67 than what is there to talk about.

Galei Tzahal:

What about the Israeli gesture? Have you heard anything about it?

Erekat:

Yesterday the prime minister was in the Barkan settlement… Kerry is exerting every possible effort to make it succeed. It is premature to speak about his failure. He will come in the next 24-48 hours and we are focused on his success. All that I read in the Israeli media I believe is premature.

Galei Tzahal:

Can you give me an idea when the negotiations will begin?

Erekat:

When the prime minister gives us an agenda. When he agrees on an agenda and that the objectives of the negotiations is two states based on the 1967 solution, which by the way was agreed to by the Israeli government when it signed the Oslo Agreement in 1993.

Speaking to Israel Radio, Bayit Yehudi leader Minister Naftali Bennett commented on Erekat’s statements. He feels such talks don’t really have a chance to succeed. “I don’t believe anything will come of this. There is no chance of Abu Mazen accepting the peace we are speaking about. You can negotiate but it is time to move in a more serious direction and to strengthen economic peace and freedom of movement for Palestinians.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)