Arab league rejects putting pressures on Abbas

The Arab League said in a statement on Monday that it rejectsputting pressures on President Mahmoud Abbas to foil Palestinian attempts toaccede to international organizations as well as to extend negotiations with Israel.Deputy Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Ahmad Bin Helli, said thatsuch pressures should be exerted on Israel, since it is the party that does not meet itsobligations towards the peace process. He said President Abbas called for holding an emergency meeting for the Arabministers of foreign affairs, in his presence, to brief them on the latest developmentson peace talks, reported the Palestinian news agency WAFA. Bin Helli further noted that Abbas will present to the Arab ministers acomprehensive explanation on the recent political developments and the options inhand, in addition to how the Palestinian leadership is planning to act in light of thecurrent political impasse following deadlock in peace talks.“We still believe the US’ role could help push the negotiations forward, which at theend could lead to just peace based on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as a capital, as well as finding solutions to the substantial issues, including the refugees,prisoners, water, borders and other final-status issues,” said Bin Helli.