(Haaretz, AFP).Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki said Monday that renewed peace talks with Israel under U.S. mediation must focus first and foremost on the issue of borders.
"Proximity talks should focus on one issue only. That issue is borders," Malki said during a visit to Tokyo with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Other conflict issues such as water, security and Jerusalem must then be brought up for discussion, said Malki.
The Palestinian official added that the timeframe for such talks should be no more than three to four months.
Senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said separately in a statement that Palestinians wanted to see the specific "objectives and timelines for proximity talks".
The talks are expected to begin on February 20, a senior Palestinian official told AFP on Monday.
"These contacts will be aimed at creating a better climate and reaching an understanding on the borders of the Palestinian state, and they will begin on February 20," the official said on condition of anonymity.
"They will last three months, with the Americans negotiating directly with the two sides after determining a timetable and agreed-upon mechanisms for implementation."
Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said in London that he was "confident" the Palestinians would accept the proposed formula for indirect talks.
"Proximity talks are not our first choice, but they are better than no talks," Ayalon said.
"Proximity talks should focus on one issue only. That issue is borders," Malki said during a visit to Tokyo with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Other conflict issues such as water, security and Jerusalem must then be brought up for discussion, said Malki.
The Palestinian official added that the timeframe for such talks should be no more than three to four months.
Senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said separately in a statement that Palestinians wanted to see the specific "objectives and timelines for proximity talks".
The talks are expected to begin on February 20, a senior Palestinian official told AFP on Monday.
"These contacts will be aimed at creating a better climate and reaching an understanding on the borders of the Palestinian state, and they will begin on February 20," the official said on condition of anonymity.
"They will last three months, with the Americans negotiating directly with the two sides after determining a timetable and agreed-upon mechanisms for implementation."
Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said in London that he was "confident" the Palestinians would accept the proposed formula for indirect talks.
"Proximity talks are not our first choice, but they are better than no talks," Ayalon said.
