Abbas invited to White House in May

Palestinians President Mahmoud Abbas was invited for a meeting with US President Barack Obama in the White House, where the two will discuss progress in the negotiations with Israel. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Sunday that the meeting was planned for May, but noted that a specific date had yet to be set.

A PA source told Ynet that they intend to continue discussing with the US the principles of negotiating with Israel, including the demand that Israel fulfill its obligations stipulated by the Road Map, namely, that it stop building in the settlements.

According to the source, the Palestinians see no point in holding a meeting between Abbas and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu so long as the latter has not made Israel's stances clear regarding building in the settlements and the nature in which the slated negotiations will take place.

The Prime Minister's Office estimates that the start of proximity talks will not be declared during Mitchell's visit, but in another two weeks after the matter is discussed in the Arab League forums.

Mitchell met with Netanyahu Sunday morning at the latter's Jerusalem residence. The meeting started in the early morning hours, and Netanyahu is awaiting word from Mitchell on the Palestinian response on their willingness to start proximity talks on the backdrop of a series of promises presented by Mitchell on Friday.

At the end of the meeting, Mitchell issued a statement saying he would likely return to the region next week. He added that he would continue his efforts to jumpstart proximity talks with Israel and the Palestinians.

Mitchell also said that the talks were productive and positive. He promised to continue efforts to improve the atmosphere for peace and launch the proximity talks.

'Ball in Palestinians' hands'

Consistent with Israel's assessment that Mitchell will hold off on announcing proximity talks during his current visit, a senior official in Jerusalem said Saturday night, "We have shown the will and seriousness for meetings with Mitchell. Now the ball is in the Palestinians' hands."