PLO OKs Indirect Talks With Israel

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, center, is seen during a meeting with the PLO executive committee and the Fatah central committee, held in order to approve the beginning of proximity talks with Israel in the West Bank city of Ramallah, 08 May 2010
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, center, is seen during a meeting with the PLO executive committee and the Fatah central committee in Ramallah, 08 May 2010

Voice of America

May 08, 2010

Palestinian officials in the West Bank say the Palestine Liberation Organization has approved a U.S. proposal for the launch of indirect Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

The officials say the PLO’s executive committee agreed to the plan during a meeting Saturday in the city of Ramallah.  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has already said he supports the proposal, which would have U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell mediate the indirect talks.

The plan calls for Mitchell to “shuttle” between Mr. Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a series of meetings.  Mr. Abbas’ government broke off direct negotiations after Israel launched an offensive against the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip in December 2008.

The Obama administration has been trying to persuade Israel and Mr. Abbas’ government to resume peace talks for more than a year.