Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Palestinians Demand Deadline for State | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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RAMALLAH, West Bank, (AP) – The chief Palestinian peace negotiator said Tuesday there would be no talks with Israel without a deadline for establishing a Palestinian state — the first indication the Palestinians could scuttle a U.S.-sponsored Mideast conference over the issue.

Palestinian officials have repeatedly said they want a detailed timeline for talks that are expected to begin in earnest after the upcoming conference in November or December.

“The Israeli prime minister (Ehud Olmert) has stated that he will not accept a timetable, and we say we will not accept negotiations without a timetable,” Ahmed Quriea said at a news conference with the EU’s external affairs commissioner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner. It was the first indication that Palestinians could scuttle negotiations altogether if that demand is not met.