BICOM

On the eve of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed talk of extending peace negotiations with Israel beyond their original nine-month timeframe.

Peace talks between Israel and the PA resumed in July and last month US Secretary of State John Kerry presented both sides with a proposed framework plan for final status talks, with the timeframe for an agreement set to expire in April.

Although significant gaps remain between the two sides, Abbas yesterday distanced himself from the idea of extending the peace talks beyond April. Following a meeting with Romania’s President Traian Băsescu in Ramallah, Abbas told reporters, “It was agreed that the negotiations would continue for nine months… There is not talk about an extension. We need to focus on the remaining time and not think about prolonging the talks.” According to the Jerusalem Post, senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat added that the PA would not agree to even a day-long extension to talks.

Abbas’ comments come as he and other regional leaders prepare to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s President Shimon Peres and Justice Minister and lead peace negotiator Tzipi Livni are among the delegates. Peres will receive a special award while Netanyahu will address the forum on Israel’s economic and political outlook. Netanyahu is also expected to meet with John Kerry on the sidelines of the event to discuss Kerry’s proposed framework plan. Kerry will address the forum on Friday.

Meanwhile, the leader of Israel’s opposition and Labour Party Issac Herzog yesterday challenged Netanyahu to make peace. Herzog told reporters that Netanyahu “understands the real risks” of failing to secure a peace agreement, but is unsure if he “has the guts to do it.” Herzog reiterated that his party would act as a “safety net” if Netanyahu’s coalition is threatened by rebels unhappy with a peace accord.