Mitchell: Peace still within reach
Israel, US' efforts to stop PA from walking out on peace negotiations continue. Palestinians insist only extension of settlement freeze can save talks; Special US envoy says not all is lost
The direct Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations are practically deadlocked, but Israel and the US are refusing to give up hope, maintaining cautious optimism as to the future of the peace talks instead.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Saturday that despite the Palestinian announcement, "the door isn't closed, and efforts continue." Barak and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside the US, are attempting to reach a formula that will keep the talks on track, while Jerusalem sources said some international pressure was already being felt.
Government sources said senior international figures are expected to arrive in Israel soon to personally pressure Netanyahu, but the Prime Minister's Office denied such visits are known to them.
As for the continued freeze, the sources said the Americans would not be suggesting a two-month freeze extension for the sake of time alone. The time, they ventured, may be used to try and work out the issue of borders.
'Peace can be achieved'
Special US envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell, who arrived in Cairo on Saturday night, confirmed that both Israel and the Palestinians have asked the US to continue its efforts to overcome obstacles and further negotiations.
"The two parties, Israelis and Palestinians have asked us to continue our discussions with them and with other governments on how best to achieve the objective of the negotiations," Mitchell told the media after meeting with Arab League Secretary General of Amr Moussa.
"Peace in the region and a viable independent (Palestinian) state can be achieved, realistically, through direct negotiations between the parties," he added.
Mitchell arrived in Cairo from Qatar where he met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabr al-Khalifa, and briefed him on the current situation of the peace talks.
Mitchell is set to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday, before heading to Jordan.
Meanwhile, sources at the Palestinian Authority said Saturday that while the Americans will undoubtedly continue their efforts to formulate a solution that would prevent a deadlock in the peace talks, "We have made it clear that settlement construction like the one that went on prior to the freeze will not allow any resumption in talks."
According to a senior Palestinian source, that US is trying to convince the PA that Netanyahu is seriously perusing a peace agreement, "But even so, we expect a series of gestures on his part, and first and foremost the halting settlement construction."
The direct talks have been suspended, added the source, but refused to confirm whether a partial settlement freeze will satisfy the PA at this time. Nevertheless, the Palestinians are being pressure by Arab elements, as well as by the United States, to refrain from abandoning the talks.
Also Saturday, senior Likud figures, who had previously expressed their opposition to continuing the freeze, told Ynet that under certain conditions, and with "significant" US assurances, they would be willing to support a continuation of the freeze for a limited time.
At the same time, rumors spread through the political system about contacts between Likud and Kadima, or between Netanyahu and Kadima Chairperson Tzipi Livni, perhaps in an attempt to create an axis that would enable Livni to join the government if developments lead to the collapse of the current coalition.
Ali Waked and AFP contributed to this report
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