Erekat: Kerry vowed to veto UNSC resolutions on Israeli settlements, Palestinian statehood
The document by Erekat, which summarized his meeting with John Kerry in Amman, claimed that Kerry vowed to veto any UN Security Council resolution relating to settlements or Palestinian statehood.
By MAAYAN GROISMANUpdated: MARCH 7, 2016 01:56Saeb Erekat, the secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organization(photo credit: TOVAH LAZAROFF)
Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat revealed details about the recent meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, arguing that Kerry threatened to veto any Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements or Palestinian statehood.The document written by Erekat, which summarized the meeting that took place on February 21 in Amman, was published on Sunday by the London-based newspaper Asharq al-Awsat. According to Erekat, Kerry’s comments during the meeting were more sympathetic toward Israel, and he condemned Palestinian violence toward Israelis without mention of “Israeli crimes against Palestinians.”Erekat also claimed that Kerry opposed Palestinian efforts to join international institutions and treaties, stating that the US secretary of state vowed to veto any UN Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements, Palestinian statehood or special international defense of the Palestinian people.According to Erekat, Kerry asked Abbas not to implement the decision of the Palestinian Central Council on redefining relations with Israel.The Palestinian chief negotiator also stated that several congressmen have demanded the closure of the PLO’s office in Washington and a halt of US foreign aid to the PA in response to the admission of the PA to the International Criminal Court.