“The only viable resolution to this conflict is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states", Mitchell told reporters after his meeting with Abbas.”
Mitchell advocated a “prompt resumption and early conclusion” of the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. He also made the obligations of the Israelis and Palestinians clear under the agreed upon terms of the Road Map for Peace plan. Mitchell called on Israel to stop settlement construction in the West Bank, including so-called “natural growth” and urged Palestinians to end violence.
During the meeting, Abbas handed Mitchell an itemised list of Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank as well as Palestinian homes that Israel has recently demolished in East Jerusalem.
The Palestinian president said he wanted to make it clear to the US “which side is fulfilling its commitments, and which side isn’t.”
Abbas reiterated his call for Israel to completely freeze settlement construction, and recognise previous agreements signed by Israeli leaders. He also urged Israel to lift the siege on Gaza, and remove roadblocks in the West Bank.
Netanyahu has yet to issue a clear statement about the resumption of peace talks that could lead to a two-state solution. His failure to do so has created tension between Israel and its closets ally the U.S.
Mitchell reiterated that the Road Map peace plan is in the interests of both sides, and said “both have a responsibility to meet their obligations.”
“As President Obama said last week, America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.”
Netanyahu is due to give a keynote speech this Sunday outlining his policy on relations with the Palestinians. Many Israelis observers are expecting him to endorse a plan to create a separate Palestinian state; however it is unlikely that he will agree to a halt in settlement construction.
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