Saeb Erakat, the chairman of the PLO Executive Committee, told reporters that Abbas expressed his full support for the French initiative in the meeting.
By ADAM RASGONUpdated: JULY 31, 2016 08:10Kerry and Abbas meet in Amman, Jordan(photo credit: REUTERS)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Paris Saturday afternoon.Saeb Erakat, the chairman of the PLO Executive Committee, told reporters that Abbas expressed his full support for the French initiative in the meeting, according to Wafa, the official Palestinian Authority news site.Erakat added that Abbas made clear that amending the Arab Peace Initiative is unacceptable.He also revealed that the Palestinian president condemned the recent terror attacks in France and stated further that the Palestinian territories are part in parcel of the war on terror, saying there is no difference between a criminal killing a journalist and an extremist burning the Dawabsheh family.Moreover, Erakat remarked that Abbas resolved that the region needs peace and stability, which can be achieved by establishing a Palestinian state.Meanwhile, in a press release, US State Department Spokesperson John Kirby, said Kerry and Abbas discussed regional issues and ways to advance the two-state solution. “The Secretary and President Abbas discussed regional challenges and constructive ideas for the way forward to support our shared goal of a two state solution,” he said.Kirby added that Kerry committed to continue to undertake efforts to achieve peace. “Secretary Kerry stressed the United States’ commitment to this issue, and they agreed on the importance of continuing to work with key partners to advance the prospects for peace while opposing all efforts that would undermine that goal,” he remarked.Kerry and Abbas have met infrequently since the collapse of US-led talks in May 2014.