Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with U.S. President Obama on Monday in Washington to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Obama sought to get Abbas’ approval of a framework that would extend peace talks.
President Obama stressed that both sides must be willing to take “risks” and make tough decisions.
“As I said to Prime Minister Netanyahu when he was here just a few weeks ago, I believe that now is the time…to embrace this opportunity,” said Obama. Adding, “it is very hard, very challenging. We are going to have to take some tough political decisions and risks if we are able to move forward.”
Abbas stressed the issue of releasing more Palestinian prisoners, something Israel committed to in July.
“This will give a very solid impression about the seriousness of the Israelis on the peace process,” said Abbas.
Israel has released 78 of the 104 prisoners so far.
