Despite strong objections by Israel, France will convene the first stage of its planned international peace conference, aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Paris on June 3. Neither the Palestinian Authority nor Israeli representatives will be present, but PA President Mahmoud Abbas used a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo on Saturday to spell out his list of demands for the French effort. Among them, a time limit and specific mechanisms to assure implementation of measures agreed upon, and a monitoring committee to enforce those decisions. Israel contends that the conference will be one-sided in favor of the Palestinians who will have little or no incentive to compromise because of French guarantees. Abbas reiterated his rejection of Israeli demands that it maintain a military presence in the West Bank and Jordan Valley, but has left the door open to a NATO peacekeeping force in the area. Jerusalem is also rankled over the planned attendance by US Secretary of State John Kerry.
French Conference Set to Convene Despite Israeli Objections
Posted By Michael Friedson On In Mideast Daily News
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