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French Conference Set to Convene Despite Israeli Objections

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.