Abbas-Sharon summit postponed . . . again
Tel Aviv (AsiaNews/Agencies) Tomorrow's planned summit between Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has been postponed for several weeks, and will likely take place in late October or early November, Palestinian official Nabil Abu Rdeneh said.
"There was not enough preparation for this summit," he said. Israel has so far not responded to the announcement.
The summitthe first between the two since Israel pulled out of Gaza Strip last monthhad already been postponed once and was tentatively rescheduled for October 2.
Differences between the two sides persist after yesterday's meeting over issues such releasing Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, freezing Jewish settlements and the construction of the separation wall, and Israeli impediments to the upcoming Palestinian elections.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said his talks with his Israeli counterpart and Ariel Sharon's closest advisor, Dov Weisglass, were significant. But he added that several obstacles remain. One such obstacle is the Palestinian demand to gain control over the main West Bank cities.
Palestinian Minister Sufian Abu Zaydeh said that an accord was not reached because Israel's proposals are too vague. "Israel is talking in general, not talking about numbers and criteria. That's not enough for the Palestinians," Abu Zaydeh said.
Talks have stalled after some progress in the last few days such as Israel lifting the Karni crossing, near Gaza City, three weeks ago after it was closed
Meanwhile, current Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei is expected to tender his resignation on Wednesday after his government lost the confidence of the Palestinian parliament on October 3.
He and his cabinet came under fire for failing to manage the transition in Gaza after Israel unilaterally withdrew from the Strip.
Criticism is also mounting against the Palestinian National Authority for its inability to stop violence by Hamas militiamen.
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