Palestinian, Israeli Teams to Meet Tuesday to Work on Conference Statement

Teams of Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will meet on Tuesday for a first session dedicated to drafting a joint statement in advance of November’s peace summit. Israeli officials, speaking off the record, have warned that it will be extremely tough going. Tuesday’s conference will begin with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hosting the Palestinian contingent, including Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud ‘Abbas, in the Sukkah of the official residence in Jerusalem. The United States has announced that the November conference will take place on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. ‘Abbas told American media that he will reject the Israeli offer of 92% of the territory Israel conquered during the 1967 War. The Palestinians are insisting on a guarantee that Israel will withdraw completely to the pre-1967 borders. ‘Abbas told The Washington Post that he believes Saudi Arabia will attend the conference.