U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the second time in two days, in an effort to restart peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
 
Kerry has been shuttling between Jordan and Israel this week. After flying to Amman, Jordan, Saturday to meet with Abbas, Kerry plans to fly back to Jerusalem for additional talks with Israeli officials.
Kerry says he is not putting a deadline on a return to peace talks but warns any delay “allows a vacuum to be filled by people who don’t want things to happen.”
The top U.S. diplomat met Friday with Palestinian President Abbas in Amman, then quickly traveled back to Jerusalem for a second round of talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in less than 24 hours.

U.S. officials described Friday’s talks with Abbas as a “very constructive discussion” where Iran and Syria also were reviewed.  

Following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Kerry met with Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Peres praised Kerry’s efforts. “All of us admire your investment in creating really the right environment to open the peace,” he said. “If I can leak one thing I believe you already created this environment. I know it’s still difficult, there are many problems but as far I am concerned I can see how people, there is a clear majority for the peace process, for the two state solution, and a great expectation that you will do it and that you can do it.”

Despite the renewed push for talks, Kerry faces significant obstacles.

Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, on Friday urged Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to reject negotiations.  Hamas leader Ismail Haniya warned Abbas “not to fall yet again into the trap of talks.”

Earlier in the week, Israel announced plans to build dozens of new housing units in an East Jerusalem settlement, triggering anger from some Palestinian officials. [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: Economy and Finance