Israel did not keep one promise, said Fayyad

'Not everything reported in the media actually takes place,' Palestinian prime minister says, detailing series of violations by Jewish state. According to Fayyad, 'There is a big difference between the talks on cooperation and ease of restrictions and what happens in practice'

Roee Nahmias

Published:

08.29.07, 09:48 / Israel News

Israel did not carry out even one move it committed to, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad charged on Wednesday, a day after the meeting between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jerusalem.

In an interview with the Jordanian newspaper al-Dustour, Fayyad was asked what he thought about Israel's ongoing activity in the West Bank and assassinations in the Gaza Strip.

his proves that there is a big difference between the talks on cooperation and ease of restriction and what happens in practice. This is one of the reasons for failure, and we are taking this seriously and following it on all levels," he replied.

"The Palestinian citizens must realize that not everything reported in the media – according to which Israel will ease restrictions and create a new atmosphere – actually takes place," the Palestinian prime minister said.

"Israel did not carry out even one move it committed to in terms of the removal of checkpoints, the humiliation of our people at those checkpoints, not to mention the raids, assassinations and settlements."

Olmert and Abbas meeting, Tuesday (Photo: Amos Ben-Gershom)

The Arab media on Wednesday morning preoccupied itself with an analysis of Tuesday's summit. The Palestinian newspaper al-Ayam quoted Abbas in its headline as saying, "We do not want peace at any cost."

Palestinian media stressed that for the first time the leader discussed the "core issues" of the conflict, including – according to the report - the transfer of east Jerusalem neighborhoods to the Palestinian Authority's control.

The media also stressed Abbas' promise to hold a referendum on any future agreement, with the goal being to reach a declaration of principles before the US-sponsored Middle East conference in November.