By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Israel claimed on Thursday that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice succeeded in reaching a Palestinian-Israeli agreement regarding the fall peace summit’s final communique.
Israel Radio quoted a “political official in Jerusalem” as saying the statement will include all disputed issues between the two sides without discussing their details.
The source said Rice met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, adding that the points of disagreement are “a lot.” Meanwhile, several Palestinian sources said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not attend the US-sponsored summit unless an agreement is reached with Israel on putting a document that discusses final status issues.
Palestinian officials stressed during their meetings with Rice that an agreement must be reached on Jerusalem, the refugees, settlements, borders, water, and independent statehood before the summit.
On Wednesday, spokesman of the Palestinian Presidency Nabil Abu Rudaina said the Palestinians feel Israel is not serious at all and is putting more obstacles that will hinder progress.
He accused Israel of refusing to write a clear statement that discusses all major issues and to set a timed schedule. However, he stressed that Rice is trying to bring the two sides closer.
Abu Rudaina said that Abbas told Rice Israel must end its settlements, incursions, and assassinations to build confidence and trust before the Palestinians.