Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday called an emergency
meeting of the PA leadership to discuss US President
Barack Obama’s speech on
peace in the Middle East, an official in Ramallah said.
Abbas has also
decided to hold urgent consultations with a number of Arab leaders on the
speech, the official said.
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In Arab world, disappointment Obama didn’t go furtherPLO Executive Committee member Saeb Erekat
said that Abbas remained committed to fulfilling all Palestinian obligations in
accordance with international agreements, especially the road-map plan and the
2002 Arab peace initiative.
Erekat said that the PA was hoping the
Israeli government would fulfill its obligations “to give the peace process the
chance it deserves.”
He added that Abbas appreciated Obama’s efforts to
resume the peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel, and maintained hopes
of reaching a solution on the core issues, according to an agreed
timetable.
“President Abbas affirms his appreciation for President
Obama’s declaration regarding people’s right to self-determination, freedom and
dignity, as well as ensuring freedom of worship,” Erekat added. “The
Palestinians need more than any other people such issues to get rid of
occupation.”
Hamas, on the other hand, accused Obama of “deception” and
bias in favor of Israel.
Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan told Agence
France-Press that his movement does not believe in US policies because they are
biased in favor of Israel, and deny Palestinian rights.