Abbas says Israel must freeze settlements
Speaking after talks with US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York, Abbas repeated Palestinian insistence that Israel halt settlement building in the occupied territories, including east Jerusalem.
In a prepared statement made available to reporters, Abbas said: "In today's meetings we confirmed our positions and commitment to the road map and its implementation. We also demanded that the Israeli side fulfill its commitments on settlements, including on natural growth." (Reuters)
