Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman Photo: Ohad Zoigenberg
Meeting with EU foreign policy chief, foreign minister claims 'chances of renewing negotiations are slim, ball is in PA's court'
Ronen Medzini
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Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman was pessimistic Friday over the chances of renewing the peace negotiations with the Palestinians, should they forge ahead with their unilateral motion for international recognition in the UN, in September.
In a meeting with European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton, Lieberman said that "the meaning of any unilateral move by the Palestinians in the UN is an end to the Oslo Accords".
Foreign Minister Lieberman, Catherine Ashton (Photo: Ohad Zoigenberg)
Lieberman explained that "in light of Chairman Abbas' stance, the chances of renewing negotiations were slim." He claimed that "Abbas is interested in conflict not an agreement since it is in his own personal interest even though it is in direct contradiction with the Palestinian interest and many within the Palestinian Authority oppose him."
Meanwhile, Catherine Ashton said that "with the events of the Arab Spring and following President Obama's speech, it is more urgent than ever to engage in meaningful negotiations and move the Peace Process forward.
The EU's position on this is clear, as set out in Council conclusions."
She will discuss the Middle East Peace Process with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday.
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