Mitchell 'believes' talks to restart soon

US special envoy to Mideast to start round of talks with Israeli officials Thursday. Ahead of talks, his aides say he believes Abbas is partner for talks, which can be renewed in near future

Roni Sofer|Published: 10.08.09 , 07:55

US special envoy to the Mideast George Mitchell will begin his round of talks in Israel on Thursday, and is scheduled to meet with President Shimon Peres, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

Upon his arrival Mitchell's aides said he believes peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians may be restarted in the near future.

According to his aides, Mitchell believes there can be no going back to square one in the upcoming talks, and has been cooperating with US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton at the request of President Obama on the matter.

The two are slated to submit a progress report to the president, as per his request in the three-way meeting that took place in New York with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas last month.

In response to the question of Abbas' current power and ability to yield results, Mitchell's aides said the Palestinian president is not too weak and that the Palestinian Authority is a partner for talks with Israel.

Regarding a settlement freeze, Mitchell's aides said Netanyahu is willing to suspend construction in settlements for a nine-month period.

Mitchell is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Friday, and remain in the Middle East until the week's end. He is slated to meet with heads of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah on Saturday and Sunday.

Abbas under fire

The meetings in Ramallah come as Abbas is under harsh criticism over the withdrawal of a bid to have the Goldstone Report on Operation Cast Lead in Gaza adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Fatah sources told Ynet that there are increasing cries from within the party against Abbas leading Fatah in elections, if Hamas and Fatah agree on holding them.

According to the sources, both the handling of the Goldstone Report and the zigzagging on the settlement matter have lead Fatah officials to feel that Abbas cannot run in elections, and that it would be best if he retires and allows another candidate to lead the party.

The sources added that the president is likely to call a press conference in the coming days in which he will address the issue of the Goldstone Report, in an attempt to minimize damage.

The sources said only a significant political change, such as an American declaration on the start of peace talks with a clear deadline, and based on the 1967 lines, can save the president.