Palestinian President Abbas announced that the Arab League gave its approval to conduct indirect negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel, after receiving guarantees from the U.S. that there will not be any construction in settlements and that the negotiations will last no longer than four months.

 

President Abbas said at the launching of the Palestinian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, that as part of the indirect negotiations the parties will discuss permanent-status issues such as borders, Jerusalem, security and the refugees. If an agreement will be reached, it will be signed with Israel and a Palestinian state with East-Jerusalem as its capital will be established.

 

President Abbas said Israel faces a historical opportunity: “if Israel will withdraw from all Palestinian and Arab territories, will commit to international legitimacy and will return the Palestinians their rights; the Arab League Initiative, will grant Israel recognition on behalf of the Arab and Muslim states. This is an opportunity Israel should not miss”.