BICOM

Israeli-Palestinian talks aimed at reviving direct negotiations ended in Amman yesterday without achieving progress. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will now consult with Arab leaders on his next move.

According to an account in Haaretz, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat refused to allow an IDF officer, Brigadier-General Assaf Orion, to present Israel’s position on security arrangements, in a meeting last Saturday. Erekat reportedly said he did not have the mandate to hear the proposal until Israel presented a document on borders. Israeli negotiator Yitzhak Molcho reportedly replied, “Maybe you should leave and bring someone in your place who does have the mandate.”

The Quartet set a three-month deadline last October for the sides to make proposals on borders and security. The Palestinians presented a position to the Quartet, but refused to enter direct negotiations without Israel’s prior acceptance of 1967 lines as a basis for talks and a settlement freeze. Israel insisted it would present positions only in direct negotiations.

Direct meetings began in Jordan only at the beginning of January, under intense international pressure. The Palestinians claimed that Israel had up to 26 January to present position, whilst Israel argued that due to the delay in starting the talks, they had until April.

The Palestinians are now considering options including attempting to revive their bid for recognition in UN institutions, and reconciliation with Hamas, both moves that Israel opposes. International diplomats are pressing for the continuation of the talks.