Meeting between Palestinian President Abbas and US President Obama

Chief Palestinian Negotiator Dr Saeb Erakat said that Palestinians and Americans shared a common interest in efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. His comments were made in response to today’s meeting between US President Barack Obama and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

“Palestinians are encouraged by the commitment President Obama and his administration have shown to Middle East peace,” Dr Erakat said.

“Resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is central to regional stability and peace. The establishment of a viable Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security with Israel, and a just resolution to the Palestinian refugee issue in accordance with UN Resolution 194, will create a more secure and stable Middle East.”

“This is not only important to the region, but it is also in America’s own national interests. Palestinians and Americans share a common interest, and we share the same vision for peace based on the two-state solution,” Dr Erakat said.

Dr Erakat stressed that Israel needed to abide by its obligations under existing agreements, saying that the Middle East peace process would not survive another round of failed negotiations, and that failure would only lead to stagnation and further conflict.

“The peace process lives on borrowed time. Israel’s failure to implement its obligations under existing agreements has eroded its credibility, while Israel’s continued settlement activities are undermining the very viability of the two-state solution,” Dr Erakat said.

“Palestinians have made great progress in fulfilling their obligations under existing agreements. We expect Israel to do the same. Implementing a comprehensive settlement freeze, including all 'natural growth’, and lifting all restrictions on Palestinian movement, are not Palestinian preconditions, but Israeli obligations.”

“They must be met if we are to salvage the peace process, restore its credibility and make genuine progress. Israel is not being asked to do anything it has not already agreed to do under existing agreements.”

“Israel must also immediately end its siege on Gaza, and the collective punishment of its people. Palestinians in Gaza cannot be allowed to suffer any more.”

“Peace is attainable. The Arab Peace Initiative provides a clear way forward. 57 Arab and Islamic states have extended a hand in peace to Israel. But this hand will not remain extended forever.”