Abbas: NATO could fill security gaps after Israel peace deal

President Mahmoud Abbas said Friday that NATO could fill any security gaps in a future peace deal with Israel. Speaking to diplomats in Tokyo, where he is on an official visit, Abbas said completing a peace agreement and ending the occupation were theoretically and practically possible. Security between the Palestinians and Israelis could be handed to NATO forces if Israel fears it will be insecure after withdrawing from territory it occupied in 1967, Abbas said. Regarding a letter being sent to Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, next week, Abbas dismissed "exaggeration" about its contents and said it would convey a simple but important message. According to Abbas, the letter will include his suggestions to the Israeli leadership about the next steps toward a peace agreement. The president told Arab ambassadors in Tokyo that he would tell Netanyahu his government had stripped the PA from any authority, as "there is no authority for Palestinians under occupation." The leadership in Ramallah will await Netanyahu's response for two weeks, he said. He also said the US administration knows the contents of the letter. American officials have said that if the message does not move forward the talks, then they will suggest alternatives, Abbas said.