Obama to meet Abbas in New York

The US administration has announced that President Barack Obama is planning to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday. Spokesman Ben Rhodes said that the meeting will be held on the fringe of the UN General Assembly when it convenes in the city next week.

“It will be the first chance for Obama to meet Abbas personally and hold a lengthy discussion since the resumption of the direct peace talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians,” said Rhodes. “Obama is going to assert America’s support for the efforts of the peace process in the Middle East, as well voice his appreciation of the courage of Abbas and [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu.”