'Israel, PA meeting in Amman absurd and useless'

Hamas official slams talks between negotiators as "selling illusions to the Palestinian people," only benefiting Israel, Quartet.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal 311 Reu (photo credit: Khaled Al Hariri / Reuters)
Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal 311 Reu
(photo credit: Khaled Al Hariri / Reuters)
Hamas on Wednesday criticized the previous day's meeting in Amman between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators as a waste of time.
Hamas spokesman Izzat al-Rishq said the talks only served to "sell illusions to the Palestinian people" and benefit Israel and the Middle East Quartet, "which is trying to repair its image."
RELATED:Barak: Negotiations can prevent Israeli isolation  Erekat urges settlement freeze to spur talksThe official also condemned the Palestinian Authority's participation, saying that the "absurd" meeting did not receive support from the Palestinian people.
The negotiators met in Amman on Tuesday for the first direct talks in 16 months. They agreed to continue talking, with another round scheduled in Jordan next week, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, who hosted the talks, said at a press conference after the meeting that the Palestinian delegation submitted proposals on border and security issues to Israel, and that the Israeli team took the proposals and said it would respond and present its ideas in a future meeting. One principle that Israel is expected to put forward is the need for an Israeli security presence along the Jordan River in any agreement.