Top Palestinian negotiator says Abbas wants preparation before meeting Israel PM

Palestinian Chief Negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat said Sunday that President Mahmoud Abbas does not want to attend a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon without preparing before hand for the issues to be discussed.

<i>Sawt Al-Arab</i> radio quoted Erekat as saying that preparatory talks continue for the Palestinian-Israeli summit scheduled for June 21.

Erekat highlighted the importance of implementing the Sharm Al-Sheikh understandings, expressing hope that the upcoming Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip will insure the Palestinians have control of entrances and exits in the area.

Palestinian and Israeli authorities are due to meet in the next few days to prepare for the Abbas-Sharon meeting.