Abbas ready to meet ‘at any time’ with Netanyahu and Trump

Abbas said he was willing to meet Netanyahu at any time “under the patronage of President Trump.”

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said he is prepared to meet directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C., under Trump’s sponsorship.

“I am ready to meet the prime minister of Israel any time in Washington under the patronage of President Trump,” Abbas said in an interview with The Asahi Shimbun Japanese media outlet. “I will send our delegation to the U.S. to prepare for my visit there.”

Abbas’ statement is significant not only in light of Israel’s continued request for direct talks with the Palestinian Authority without preconditions, but also after US President Donald Trump conveyed to Abbas last month his strong desire to help Israel and the Palestinians reach a peace agreement.

Abbas also referenced his upcoming visit on May 3 with Trump.

“We are going to meet President Trump in April to continue our discussion on how to conclude a peace deal with the help of the U.S. President. Trump knows we are committed to a Middle East that lives in peace, justice and dignity, based on two states solution, international legitimacy and Arab peace initiative,” Abbas said. “(Trump) knows that we are partners in combating terrorism in our region and worldwide.”

Most recently, Trump dispatched his adviser on Israel Jason Greenblatt to the region to discuss the advancement of peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Abbas implied a sense of satisfaction in Trump’s recent efforts.

“We are glad that now the U.S. administration listens about us from us, and not from third parties,” Abbas said in the interview.

By: Jonathan Benedek, World Israel News

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