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Abbas Backs Down, Will Resume Talks

Calls negotiations a 'strategic choice'

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 5, 2008 9:44 AM CST

(Newser) – Fatah Palestinians will resume peace talks with Israel, Mahmoud Abbas said today, recapitulating on his demands that Israel first halt its bloody campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Abbas characterized the peace process as a “strategic choice.” The Palestinian president halted the talks on Sunday after an Israeli attack, and reiterated his demands earlier today, but a flurry of backroom dealings by Condoleezza Rice brought him around.

Israel’s Sunday offensive killed 120 Palestinians, half of them civilians, according to medical workers. After Abbas’ comments, Rice quickly called him, and soon held a press conference saying the talks were back online. She said a special committee would meet next week to review each side’s compliance with the long-ignored “road map,” which talks will be based on.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, left, shakes hands with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during their meeting at the King David hotel in Jerusalem, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. U.S. Secretary... (Associated Press)

A Palestinian youth uses a large branch to push a burning barricade into place during clashes with Israeli troops in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Tuesday, March 4, 2008. Palestinian President Mahmoud... (Associated Press)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, right, is seen during a press conference in the Palestinian presidential headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Fadi Aruri) (Associated Press)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas looks on during a press conference in the Palestinian presidential headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. Palestinian President Mahmoud... (Associated Press)

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Abbas Backs Down, Will Resume Talks

Calls negotiations a 'strategic choice'

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Olmert Proposes New West Bank, Gaza Borders

Abbas rejects plan, which doesn't include contiguous Palestine

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Move could be a feint to jump-start peace negotiations

Israel Releases 198 Palestinians

Freed prisoners intended to shore up Fatah PM Abbas; some in Israel fuming

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Abbas Backs Down, Will Resume Talks

Calls negotiations a 'strategic choice'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Gaza • Mahmoud Abbas • Palestine • Hamas • Condoleezza Rice • Fatah • Israel and Palestinians • peace talks

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Olmert Proposes New West Bank, Gaza Borders

Abbas rejects plan, which doesn't include contiguous Palestine

Hamas Seeks Talks With Fatah Over Gaza

Meetings could begin next week, but Fatah leaders skeptical

Rice Pushes Peace Talks With Olmert, Abbas

Takes mission to Jerusalem, West Bank

Palestinians' Abbas May Not Seek Reelection

Move could be a feint to jump-start peace negotiations

Israel Releases 198 Palestinians

Freed prisoners intended to shore up Fatah PM Abbas; some in Israel fuming

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?