Abbas tells Haaretz: Peace can be reached within a year

[Behind the Aegis]

A peace deal to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be achieved within less than a year, Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas told Haaretz on Wednesday.

Speaking to Haaretz from the Muqata compound in Ramallah, Abbas said he had proposed to the United States to open covert negotiations for a final status settlement. The talks would be spearheaded by President George Bush, after the new Israeli government was set up.

Abbas said he had also raised the idea at a meeting with Shimon Peres (Kadima) two weeks ago in Jordan. However, a senior Palestinian source said Bush had not responded to Abbas' suggestion to pressure the new Israeli government to abandon its unilateral policy and resume the peace process.

Abbas said the Hamas government would not stop him from negotiating with Israel. If both sides reached an agreement, he would be the one to sign it and if necessary, would even put it to a referendum, he said. He said he would act to moderate Hamas and that at least one Hamas minister told him he would be ready to talk to Israel on ministerial issues.

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[napi21]

1. I had hope until I read it would be spearheaded by Shrub!

don't think that nut could negotiate his way out of acorner grocery store!

I really hope they can get a peace resolution, but if they're depending on Shrub, they really better try again!

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Nutty Bush...

I agree that he is not even close to someone I would think could negotiate peace. However, I found this statement very hopeful... "Abbas said the Hamas government would not stop him from negotiating with Israel. If both sides reached an agreement, he would be the one to sign it and if necessary, would even put it to a referendum, he said. He said he would act to moderate Hamas and that at least one Hamas minister told him he would be ready to talk to Israel on ministerial issues."

From his mouth, to G-d's ear!

All he can do is hope that he will be able to negotiate and the DU I/P forum will cease to be needed!