Israeli officials: Major pressure on Abbas

Speakig of the expected Palestinian UN bid, officials in Jerusalem said Sunday night that "the US continues to put pressure on Abbas and is angered by his conduct and his opposition. We have no clear picture over whether Abbas intends to go all the way or begin the process for a declaration of state without completing it and thus brig further pressure to bear upon Israel as well as allow him to retreat with dignity if the need arises."

"At the moment Mahmoud Abbas is adamant in his refusal and will not enter into negotiations unless there are preconditions," they added. (Attila Somfalvi)