Palestinian newspaper Al-Ayyam has reported Saturday that Israel andthe US are having trouble reaching understandings regarding the cessation of construction in settlements, and that the Palestinians fear the US will tone down its demands, allowing construction to continue.
The paper reported that American special Middle East peace envoy George Mitchell spoke this week with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas andtold him that Israel refuses to comply with demands to curb settlement construction completely.
During the conversation Mitchell said that all contacts and meetings with Israeli officials, and particularly with Defense Minister Ehud Barak ,have failed to secure an agreement that will see Israel comply with American demands.
Palestinian sources have informed Al-Ayyam of their concern that the American administration will attempt to reach an agreed-upon draft with the Israeli government that will allow partial construction in settlements. The same sources said the issue will be at the center of talks with Mitchell during his visit to the region next week.
Major concerns
Palestinian concerns were initially raised following the "great uproar" that followed the American demand to completely stop construction.
One source told the paper that as far as the Palestinians are concerned, "There are no partial solutions on this issue".
"The Israeli government has an obligation to carry out all of its commitments, as they appear in the Road Map initiative; mainly the cessation of construction in the settlements, including natural growth."
Last week President Abbas sent a letter to American President Barak Obama reiterating the Palestinian stance demanding a deal based on an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.
Abbas emphasized that the American administration must press Israel to solve all the issues pertaining to a final-status agreement, and stressed that the settlements pose an obstacle to the peace process.