French President Francois Hollande has announced he is postponing his plans for hosting a Mideast peace conference to advance negotiations towards a final status agreement between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority). French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault announced the conference as an act of “good faith” towards bringing the sides closer together.

Hollande stated that despite the delay, the conference will take place this summer. It is reported that US Foreign Minister John Kerry cannot attend on May 30th, the announced original date for the summit.

Following the French invitation, the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement that only direct negotiations between Israel and the PA will lead to a final status agreement.

Earlier this week PA (Palestinian Authority) Chairman Abu Mazen announced he hopes nations attending the conference will succeed in jumpstarting the process while PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah added talks have been taking place for 22 years without success and therefore, the PA welcomes the latest French initiative.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)