Washington expects
Israel, Palestinians to use timeframe given for negotiations to overcome
difficulties, strike comprehensive peace, US official tells reports in
Jerusalem. America won't accept partial deal, he said
A partial peace deal between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, even if achieved within a year, will not satisfy Washington, a US official said Tuesday.
The American official told reporters in Jerusalem that the upcoming peace summit in Washington aims to strike a full peace agreement between the parties. The official rejected the possibility of "only" a partial or interim peace deal within the timeframe set for the peace talks.
While the difficulties both parties face are clear, Washington believes that both leaders are ready to confront the difficulties in order to reach peace, he said, adding that the US intends to take an active role in the negotiations.
The American official stressed that Washington's stance on the settlement freeze has not changes, saying that the negotiations must be held in a positive atmosphere.
The US, he added, is currently speaking with both sides in an attempt to explore ways conducive to the talks' success.
The press briefing followed reports of the "Meridor initiative" which aims to circumvent any impediment caused by Israel's continued settlement activity, which is expected to resume by the end of September.
Nevertheless, none of the steps suggested has been approved by Washington at this time
The official stressed that the US does not expect any Israeli overtures or gestures prior to the talks, which will commence - as stated by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - with no preconditions.
The talks are expected to focus on all core issues, including Jerusalem, the refugees, borders and all security issues.
Source: Ynet News
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