Barak asks Abbas to 'show responsibility'

Defense minister meets Palestinian leader t in New York, tells him sides 'must not miss the opportunity created to reach a breakthrough' in peace talks

Attila Somfalvi |Published: 09.22.10 , 18:14

Defense Minister Ehud Barak met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday in New York, where the two are holding meetings with senior American officials, on the backdrop of fears of a deadlock in recently renewed Middle East peace talks.

According to Barak's office, the meeting was held "in a friendly atmosphere." The defense minister told the Palestinian president that "we must not miss the opportunity created to reach a breakthrough."

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"Barak and Abu Mazen (Abbas) expressed their deep commitment to the need to overcome all the obstacles so as not to miss this historic opportunity," the defense minister's said in a statement.

"It's time for both sides to show responsibility in order to ensure the future of the next generations," Barak told Abbas. The two agreed to continue the security cooperation in a bid to thwart attempted terror attacks in the West Bank.

Before meeting with Barak, the Palestinian president spoke to a closed meeting of Jewish American leaders in New York. He made it clear that he wants to continue the dialogue with Israel and signaled that he was backing away from his ultimatum.

"I cannot say I will leave the negotiations, but it's very difficult for me to resume talks if Prime Minister Netanyahu declares that he will continue his activity in the West Bank and Jerusalem," Abbas said, according to a transcript of the event obtained by The Associated Press.

He defined Netanyahu as "my partner in finding a way to peace" and stated that "this is the time for difficult and brave decisions. We mustn't let those who oppose peace take us hostage. Peace will prevail eventually."

Abbas added that he was encouraged by Netanyahu's statements on the Palestinians' right for sovereignty.