Did the Arab Summit in Libya meet Palestinian expectations?
We have no great expectations of the Arab League. The Arab summit is not a crucial event in this process; irrespective of whether or not they endorse the American drive to get the proximity talks between us and the Israelis underway, those talks should go on. But in parallel, we have to redouble our effort on the two tracks I have noted where we are ourselves in control – more passive resistance, and continued building of the infrastructure of our state. Q: Where does this leave President Mahmoud Abbas? A: He is very much in control but he is also aware of the mood of the people. Like everyone, he is fed up with constant Israeli manoeuvring and scheming. But he will do anything he can to make sure that there is no violence. I hope he gets the necessary support for that option. Ill remind you that the outbreak of the Intifada uprising was spontaneous. Now, however, the general mood is to embark on peaceful resistance as we follow just how determined the U.S. is prepared finally to get s
