(AP-New York Times) Arab nations on Thursday backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' refusal to immediately restart direct talks with Israel despite heavy pressure from the U.S. While Arab foreign ministers endorsed the idea of direct talks, Prime Minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani of Qatar said they left the timing up to Abbas, who has laid down several conditions. On Thursday, Abbas said he would require written assurances either from Israel or the Americans on borders and settlements to start the direct talks.
2010-07-30 09:36:43Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive