Moscow Talks Called Off as Israel Says Peace 'Isn't Priority'

The Russian envoy to the Middle East was told by Netanyahu that he won't be meeting Palestinians because Israel does not accept preconditions.

Holding peace talks is “not one of the priorities” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Russia's peace envoy to the Middle East Mikhail Bogdanov told a Palestinian official Tuesday, adding that the Russian-proposed talks on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been called off, the Middle East Eye reported.

“Bogdanov told us frankly that Netanyahu not only rejected the Palestinian demands for the meeting—such as a settlements freeze and the release of the pre-Oslo prisoners—but also that a meeting with (President Mahmoud) Abbas is no longer one of his priorities,” the Palestinian official told Middle East Eye on condition of anonymity.

Bogdanov held a meeting with Netanyahu Monday where the prime minister told him he was not interested in peace talks with Palestinians because Abbas had preconditions, the Russian deputy foreign minister told the Palestinian official.

“Netanyahu said his priority now is two things: fighting terrorism and making peace with Arab countries,” he said and added that the Russian envoy quoted Netanyahu as saying, “When I make peace with the Arabs, Abbas will join us—so let him stand alone.”


http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Moscow-Talks-Called-Off-as-Israel-Says-Peace-Isnt-Priority-20160906-0030.html