Netanyahu: I want an agreement
Prime minister tells advisors: Newspapers want headlines, I want to finalize a deal. PM, President Abbas hold private meeting in Washington, agree to keep talks discreet in order to promote peace process
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met in private Thursday, as part of the newly, Washington launched direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The two reportedly agreed to meet once every two weeks, with the first meeting set to take place at Sharm el-Sheik.
Both US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Special US envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell are expected to attend the first meeting.
Following the two-hour meeting in Washington, Netanyahu reportedly told his close advisors that what the negotiations needed now was "not a multitude of advisors, but leaders making decisions. The newspapers want headlines, but I want an agreement."
It was also agreed that the content of the talks would remain discreet and that both sides would refrain from leaking information to the media.
Following the two's meeting, Mitchell held a press briefing. Mitchell told reporters that the Netanyahu-Abbas meeting took place in Clinton's office. The two, he said, discussed various issues, and both agreed that for the negotiations to work, it is best of things are kept under wraps.
Netanyahu and Abbas, he added, denounced any acts of violence and reiterated their commitment to resolve all core issue en route to the formation of a Palestinian state.
Mitchell concluded by saying both leaders agreed that the negotiation would be competed in on year's time, with aim of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement.
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