PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has dumped Ahmed Quriea (Abu Ala) as the chief negotiator in the ongoing diplomatic process with Israel. The position has been turned over to Dr. Saeb Erekat, a seasoned PA official who has been involved in the talks since the 1993 Oslo Agreement.

According to sources in the PA (Palestinian Authority), Abu Ala has been boycotted by Abu Mazen and the United States since September, attributed to his “extreme stance” in ongoing talks with Israel.

Officials point out that Abu Mazen did not issue a written order, but informed Abu Ala of the new reality. Aides to Abu Ala deny the accuracy of the report, insisting nothing has changed.

In a related matter, following a meeting this week between Erekat and a visiting American congressional delegation, Erekat stated that if Israel does not accept the two-state solution and abide by agreements signed to date, the PA no longer views Israel as a negotiating partner.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)