Israel offers talks with Palestinians over UN bid

PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered to hold direct talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas at the UN General Assembly.

Mr Netanyahu called on Mr Abbas to begin negotiations with Israel instead of "wasting time on unilateral moves".

“I call on the PA chair to open direct negotiations in New York, that will continue in Jerusalem and Ramallah,” Netanyahu said.

The Palestinians are seeking international recognition of their state based on the borders that existed in 1967. This would give the Palestinians the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Mr Abbas earlier said he was determined to push ahead with a bid for UN recognition of a Palestinian state. The U.S. and Israel oppose the bid and there has been intense diplomacy to avert a crisis over the move. Peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel broke down a year ago.

The U.S. announced of possible veto in case Palestinians push the question of their independence in the 66th General assembly. According to reports Palestine will submit the bid on September 23.