Dr. Erakat on the meeting between Senator Mitchell and President Abbas

Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr Saeb Erakat today said that the meeting between Senator Mitchell and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was positive, and described their discussions as constructive.

“The Obama Administration has made clear its intention to reinvigorate Middle East peace talks, as well as its expectation that both parties implement their obligations under the Road Map,” Dr Erakat said.

“This emphasis on both parties needing to implement their respective obligations under the Road Map is an important litmus test of fairness and balance in America’s approach to Middle East peace.”

“The Road Map is important because it clearly sets out the obligations that both Palestinians and Israelis have agreed to implement. A framework is already in place. These obligations are designed to generate momentum towards peace, by delivering tangible improvements on the ground and creating a more conducive environment for negotiations.”

“While Palestinians have made significant progress in the areas of governance, finance and security sector reform in line with our Road Map obligations, Israel has failed to implement any of its Road Map obligations, starting with a comprehensive settlement freeze, including all 'natural growth’.”

“The last 15 years have shown us that the success or failure of negotiations rests on both parties honoring their obligations. Israel’s failure to fulfill its obligations under existing agreements has undermined the very credibility of the peace process. Restoring that credibility and taking positive steps towards peace is not only in the interests of Palestinians and Israelis, but also in the interests of the US and the Middle East region as a whole,” Dr Erakat concluded.