Abbas ‘not optimistic’ ahead of U.S. visit
Palestinian leader says he intends to ask President Bush to express “practical commitment” to road map
There is no reason for optimism, as Israel is not cooperating with the Palestinian Authority, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday ahead of his trip to the United States, via Jordan.
“The Israelis do not show any understanding to our positions and situation,” he said, and charged Jerusalem was “making matters difficult” with the decision to put the handover of Palestinian towns and return of wanted terror suspects to their homes on hold.
The Palestinian leader said that during his visit he intends to present American President George W. Bush with the measures adopted by the Palestinians in recent months.
“I’ll ask the president to express a position that is practically committed to the road map and I’ll ask him not to make pledges at the expense of issues to be discussed ahead of a final- status agreement,” he said.
Abbas slams Israel, again
The Palestinian leader, who was invited to the U.S. by Bush, slammed Israel for provoking the Palestinians.
“The Israeli campaign against me has not ceased since I was elected as PA chairman,” he said. “Despite the calm, the Israeli government continues with the targeted killings, arrests, and acts of provocation.”
Israeli incitement against him comes from the highest government echelons, Abbas charged, but noted there is no similar Palestinian incitement against the same Israeli officials.
“Even though the current situation does not give reason for optimism, we must not lose our optimism and the hope and continue in our efforts,” he said.
