US: 'Unofficial' channel with PA minister Fayad

The US will maintain an unofficial communication channel with Salam Fayad, expected to be appointed to the position of finance minister in the new Palestinian Authority unity government, Israel Radio said on Friday. US officials said they would maintain relations with Fayad even if the unity government would not recognize Israel, would not abandon its commitment to terror and would not condemn violent resistance to Israel. Also on Friday, the future foreign minister of the Palestinian Authority Ziad Abu Amer received an invitation for an official visit in France.