FM Livni
Photo: AP
Ahmed Qurei
Photo: Yaron Brenner
Palestinians want 'low-key' peace talks
Negotiations on permanent agreement to begin Wednesday at King David Hotel in Jerusalem; PA asks that talks be kept on low profile due to IDF operation in Gaza
Israeli officials said the negotiations with the Palestinians on a permanent agreement will commence as scheduled on Wednesday, in accordance with the understandings reached at the Annapolis summit 15 days ago.
However, the Palestinian Authority has asked that tomorrow's talks, which will be held in Jerusalem's King David Hotel, be kept on a low profile, with no photo-ops, in protest of the IDF's extensive operation in south Gaza.
Annapolis
Yitzhak Benhorin
Israel and the Palestinians agreed to immediately launch 'good faith' negotiations to achieve a peace treaty resolving all outstanding issues, including core issues. Olmert says, 'Reality formed in 1967 will change.' Abbas: We need East Jerusalem to be our capital
Jerusalem is moving forward with the preparations for the renewed peace talks. The "Kitchen-Cabinet" consisting of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak will guide the Israeli negotiating teams, which wil include senior officials from the PM's Office and the Foreign and Defense ministries.
Israeeli officials said the negotiations should be conducted without pressure. "There is no deadline and no dramas – we're keeping a low profile," one official said.
According to them, Israel does not want the talks on the core issues to be tied to President George W. Bush's scheduled visit to the region on January 9.
The National Security Council is also expected to convene Wednesday to discuss the Gaza operation and the Grad missile threat on Ashkelon and Netivot.
