[Monday Evening, April 22, 2014] Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, headed a meeting of the Central Committee of his Fateh Movement at the presidential headquarter, in the central West Bank city of Ramallah, and said the Palestinians cannot extend talks with Tel Aviv unless they are based on solid and clear foundations.Abbas and various Fateh officials discussed Arab and international efforts aiming at the resumption of direct Palestinian-Israeli peace talks, especially after talks hit another deadlock due to ongoing Israeli violations and settlement activities.
The central committee expressed full support for Abbas in his international moves aimed at joining more international institutions and conventions.
Committee members said direct peace talks with Tel Aviv can only be extended if they are fully based on international legitimacy resolutions, with the clear aim of establishing an independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
They added that peace talks should guarantee the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees, based on resolution #194, and should also be based on the Arab Peace Initiative.
Furthermore, the committee said Israel must stop all of its violations and unilateral moves, especially its ongoing illegitimate settlement construction and expansion activities.
As for the Palestinian reconciliation file, the Committee expressed support to Fateh delegates heading to Gaza to hold meetings with Hamas officials with the hope of reaching an understanding that would lead to implementing all unity agreements, the Doha Declaration and the Egyptian initiative, before forming a transitional unity government.
