ASHTON ANNOUNCES PALESTINIANS READY TO TALK TO ISRAEL

Palestinian President Abu Mazen is close to accepting direct negotiations with Israel. European diplomatic High Representative Baroness Catherine Ashton said in a letter to EU foreign ministers that, Abu Mazen “requested a few more days to consult with Arab partners, with Al Fatah and executive bodies of the Palestinian National Authority. Abu Mazen “should give a definitive answer by Sunday or the beginning of next week,” she added. According to Ashton, direct talks should begin at the end of August.