Addressing a Peres Peace Center Conference, Chief PA negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat stated that a peace agreement between Israel and the PA can be reached and a solution to the core issues is attainable.

Erekat, who was joined by Meretz MK Dr. Yossi Beilin stated if the will to reach a solution on the issue of Jerusalem and refugee status, it can be done, in the next six months, seeking to meet the US-imposed deadline of signing an accord by the end of 2008.

He added that “like it or not,” ultimately there must be a two-state solution which means reverting back to the pre-June 1967 border.

“The Israeli and Palestinian leaders who reach an agreement will be more important to region’s history than Jesus,” he added, emphasizing with the recent involvement of Syria in talks with Israel there is true hope for regional peace.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)