Abbas: No signs of near resumption of negotiations

President Mahmoud Abbas Monday said that there are no signs of a near resumption of negotiations with Israel. Abbas said following his meeting with the Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Ramallah that the Palestinians are ready to resume negotiations if Israel halts settlement activities and abide by the international resolution, saying that these aren’t pre-set conditions but obligations based on agreements between Palestinians and Israelis. Commenting on the relations between Jordan and Hamas, Abbas stressed the sovereignty of Jordan. He also stressed Palestinian coordination and support for Jordan’s decision regarding its best interests. Abbas received Abdullah in the king’s first visit to the Palestinian Territory since 2000, and described the visit as “great,” deeply appreciated, and a “generous gesture” at this time. The visit came within the framework of the continuous coordination and consultation between Palestine and Jordan, as well as to discuss the situation in the region.