Palestinians want Israel peace deal in 9 months
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he will continue recently resumed negotiations with Israel with “an insistence on success” and the aim of reaching a peace deal within nine months.
Abbas told the United Nations General Assembly Thursday that the Palestinian objective is a permanent and comprehensive peace treaty that officially ends all conflicts and claims.
"Time is running out, and the window of peace is narrowing and the opportunities are diminishing," Abbas said.
"The current round of negotiations appears to be a last chance to realize a just peace," he said.
Abbas, who has frequently turned to the United Nations to build support, began his speech by voicing pride at being introduced as "president of the state of Palestine" — following a UN vote in November to grant it observer status.
He said the the 1993 Oslo Accords that were supposed to lead to a peace treaty have been shattered, leaving behind what he described as a dispiriting and bleak picture.
President Abbas thanked the United States for reviving what he called a "comatose" peace process. He said the Palestinians are determined to negotiate a two-state solution in good faith and with an open mind.
Abbas addressed the General Assembly for the first time since it raised the Palestinians\’ status to a non-member observer state last year. Before and after his speech, he was accorded the same honors as other world leaders.
Source: Agencies
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