By Prensa Latina,
Edinburgh : Palestinian President Mahmud Abas warned on Saturday that the lack of an agreement with Israel before the end of the term of US President George W. Bush might bring about a Middle East paralysis.
Abbas predicted that “an extremely difficult paralysis”will be witnessed unless a common stance between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is reached by January 2009, when the Bush administration concludes.
Among the main obstacles for such an agreement he cited the continuation of Israeli colonization, the maintenance of checkpoints at roads and the border issue.
In remarks to journalists from Glasgow, Scotland, in a stop of his trip to the US, where he met with the US president, he warned that if the Bush’s term ends without reaching an agreement, the Palestinians will then consider steps to be taken.
Abbas insisted that Bush is aware of the scant time remaining, “but keeps up hope that something can be done.”
He described his talks with the White House incumbent as clear and profound. They are expected to meet again in May during a scheduled Bush’s visit to Tel Aviv on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the creation of Israel.