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Israel: PA Failing to Reciprocate Goodwill

(Jerusalem Post) Herb Keinon - The Palestinian failure to respond positively to a series of recent Israeli goodwill gestures shows that PA President Mahmoud Abbas is "unable to enter into negotiations that will require concessions," according to an internal government memo. According to an official, Israel has made a number of goodwill gestures lately toward the Palestinians, including recently agreeing to start negotiations with the Palestinians on developing the Gaza Marine gas field off the Gaza coast. Other goodwill steps the official cited included the signing this week of an economic accord with the PA aimed at enhancing trade and clamping down on tax evasion; the decision on the eve of Ramadan two weeks ago to advance the PA some NIS 180 million of tax money so salaries could be paid; and the transfer in May to the PA of the bodies of some 90 terrorists. In addition, the government's economic cabinet recently increased the number of Palestinian construction workers allowed to work in the country by some 5,000. "We think we have taken some bold steps, but that the Palestinians have refused to pick up the ball, and refuse to cease behavior that we see as hostile," the official said.
2012-08-03 00:00:00
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