Palestinian president calls for resumption of 2-state talks

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has expressed his keenness to resume two-state solution negotiations between Israel and Palestine as soon as possible. The statement came during a press conference held alongside Maldives President Mohamed Waheed Hassan in Ramallah.
Regarding the peace process, Abbas affirmed that US Secretary of State, John Kerry, has exerted many efforts to resolve the issue, adding that he is "serious regarding this matter."
Abbas stated that the decision is now "in the hands of Israel" clarifying that both US and Israel realise Palestine's demand to pave a way to launch negotiations.
The Palestinian official news agency said that President Abbas conducted important talks with his Maldivian counterpart about the recent developments witnessed in the region. He briefed the Maldivian president on American efforts, aimed to resume talks.
He stressed the need for suspension of Israeli settlements and the release of thousands of Palestinian inmates from Israeli prisons.