Abbas says he won’t go to direct peace talks without US assurances on Palestinian borders
By APWednesday, July 21, 2010
Abbas: Specific US assurances on borders needed
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has told his Fatah movement he wants a more specific U.S. commitment on the borders of a future Palestinian state before agreeing to direct talks with Israel.
Abbas says he received assurances from President Barack Obama, but that they weren’t clear enough.
Abbas spoke late Tuesday at a closed-door meeting with Fatah leaders. His comments were published in a Palestinian daily and confirmed by his adviser Sabri Saidam.
Obama wants Abbas to resume direct talks. Abbas first wants assurances that a state will be established in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, allowing for minor alterations. Abbas says he expects enormous pressure, but that he will not go “blindly” into negotiations.
