Washington's threat to Palestinian Authority reveals bias toward Israel

The Secretary General of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Ramahi, yesterday condemned the threats and pressure being put on the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah by the US administration aimed at forcing them to start direct negotiations with Israel.

In press briefing given on Tuesday (03.08.2010), Al-Ramahi said that “the decision taken by the PLO’s executive committee – supporting the Arab decision to return to direct negotiations – acquiesces to the dictates and threats of Israel and the US.” He indicated that the decision only represented those individuals who had taken it.

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The legislator said recent statements by Israeli officials confirming the continuation of settlement building projects exposed the false promises of the US administration and its biased stance in favour of Israel. President Barak Obama’s threat that Abbas’ failure to return to negotiations would mean a resumption of settlement building is consistent with statements made by Israeli officials, he added. 

Al-Ramahi called on the Palestinian Authority to reject the threats and not to capitulate by returning to the route of failed negotiations; a path that has been trodden for two decades without achieving any results on the ground whatsoever besides empty promises.