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Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed Thursday to produce a framework for a permanent peace deal and to hold a second round of direct talks this month followed by regular meetings, a modest achievement reached amid deep skepticism about success at their first such session in two years.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet again on Sept. 14 and 15 in the Middle East, likely at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik, with an eye toward forging the outline of a pact that could lead to a final agreement in a year's time.
based on the preliminary comments by abbas and bibi, abbas is far outclassed going into these negotiations
Outclassed in what respect? You mean he's not intellectually Bibi's equal? Bibi's a good media performer in English, Abbas clearly isn't as fluent, but I dare say negotiations will be conducted in Hebrew and Arabic using interpreters.
Can you explain what you mean?
My impression was that this was a par for the course performance by both sides. Netanyahu spent as much time talking about what his hopes were for the Palestinians as what Israel needed for itself, while Abbas' speach was the typical list of grievances and victimization.
Netanyahu came off as a top-class diplomat ready to enter into historic negotiations to end a longstanding conflict. Abbas came across as a petty little representative of a party who is more interested in its own set of grievances than in recognizing the needs of the "other" in negotiating an end of conflict.
But it was always thus.
My impression was that this was a par for the course performance by both sides. Netanyahu spent as much time talking about what his hopes were for the Palestinians as what Israel needed for itself, while Abbas' speach was the typical list of grievances and victimization.
Netanyahu came off as a top-class diplomat ready to enter into historic negotiations to end a longstanding conflict. Abbas came across as a petty little representative of a party who is more interested in its own set of grievances than in recognizing the needs of the "other" in negotiating an end of conflict.
But it was always thus.
Clearly you are listening with somewhat less than impartial ears. President Abbas was clear in his aim of achieving peace for both sides. He said:
"Mr. Netanyahu, what happened yesterday and what is happening today is also condemned. We do not want at all that any blood be shed, one drop of blood, on the part of the -- from the Israelis or the Palestinians. We want people in the two countries to lead a normal life. We want them to live as neighbors and partners forever. Let us sign an agreement, a final agreement, for peace, and put an end to a very long period of struggle forever. And peace be upon you."
Do those sound like the words of "a petty little representative ...more interested in its own set of grievances"?
Yes but do understand that it is not a fair contest.
Netanyahu has a rich past in working as a diplomat, and he has spent some years living in the US.
It is very very simple on how this will end as it always will.
Netanyahu is lieing through his teeth as he always does, and is only buy time for Hamas or other radicals on the Palestinians side to do something stupid and the he will claim it impossible to "negotiate under attack" and leave. All in the while the settlements will continue.
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