RAMALLAH
A member of the Central Executive Board of the Fatah movement in Palestine, Muhammad Istiye, on Tuesday said that they needed "a reliable mediator in peace talks with Israel".
Speaking to the Anadolu Agency (AA), Istiye indicated that "the US and Israel shared exceptional strategic relations."
"We need a reliable mediator in peace talks with Israel. We are aware of the strategic relations between the US and Israel. Continuation of peace talks in front of the international community will create a trustable base for both sides," Istiye noted.
"The Palestinians are ready to begin peace talks with Israel. We will sit at the negotiating table next day after Israel stops Jewish settlements on occupied territory, releases Palestinian prisoners, and recognizes the Palestinian state whose capital is Jerusalem," Istiye stated.
Asked about their expectations from US President Barack Obama's visit to Israel and Palestine in March, Istiye underlined that "the US to date has shown only carrot to Israel".
"We hope that President Obama will show the stick during his upcoming visit. We do hope that President Obama will have a program in his hand to place pressure on Israel," Istiye also said.
Reporting by Kays Abu Semra
