PMO calls for "positive atmosphere" in Mitchell meetings.
By JPOST.COM STAFFNMitchell and Netanyahu launch proximity talks 311(photo credit: NMatty Stern/U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv)Prime Minster Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday met with US Middle East envoy George Mitchell, as the Israel-Palestinian proximity talks entered their second round."Israel hopes that the Palestinians will also try to create a positive atmosphere, and will not try to make international case against Israel, for example the actions they took against Israel to prevent their acceptance to the OECD," Netanyahu’s communications adviser Nir Hefetz said in a statement.RELATED:Mitchellto meet with Netanyahu, Barak'PAseeks future NATO presence''Talksto focus on final status'"Netanyahu has expressed his interest in progressing the proximity talks, so they can reach direct talks as soon as possible," Hefetz added.Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with Mitchell on Tuesday, and told the US envoy that Israeli “provocations” were threatening to foil the nascent negotiations.Abbashosted Mitchell in Ramallah and while welcoming the start of the US-sponsored “proximity talks,” delivered a number of letters containing Palestinian complaints about Israel’s actions on the ground, chief PA negotiator Saeb Erekat said.
