Abbas says there is real possibility for achieving peace
Palestinian president tells reporters following meeting with Rice he received 'encouraging signs' from Israel, but adds that Jewish state 'must start meeting some of its short-term peace obligations, such as a settlement freeze'
RAMALLAH - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that there is a "real possibility" for achieving a peace deal with Israel, but also called on Israel to
start meeting some of its short-term peace obligations, such as a settlement freeze.
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Abbas spoke at a joint news conference with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
"I agree with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that
there is a real possibility to achieve peace, and I say we are serious to use this opportunity to reach this historical peace," Abbas said.
Abbas said he has received "encouraging signs" from Israel and the US, but expects tough going in the negotiations.
He said Israel, the US and the Palestinians agreed that they should try to reach a peace deal before the end of US President George W. Bush's term in a year. He called on Israel to begin immediately meeting its obligations under the first stage of the "Road map" peace plan.
The plan requires Israel to freeze settlement construction, remove illegal settlement outposts and ease Palestinian movement.
Abbas said the Palestinians are ready to do their part, including trying to disarm Palestinian militants.
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