Obama calls Abbas, says will hold both Israelis, Palestinians accountable in talks
By APWednesday, May 12, 2010
Obama: Hold Israel, Palestinians accountable
WASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama has called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to congratulate him on the start of U.S.-brokered peace talks with Israel and confirm he intends to hold both sides accountable for any actions that would undermine trust during the talks.
The two leaders discussed the need for both parties to negotiate in good faith and move from indirect so-called “proximity” talks to direct negotiations as soon as possible, the White House said Tuesday.
Obama also reiterated his support for establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel and urged Abbas to try to prevent any “acts of incitement or delegitimization of Israel.”
Obama told Abbas he looks forward to receiving him at the White House soon.
