Israel Matzav

Pigs fly: Kerry threatens Abu Mazen

London-based al-Araby al-Jadeed is reporting that US Secretary of State John Kerry has threatened 'moderate' 'Palestinian' President Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen with 'sanctions' if he pursues unilateral recognition of a 'Palestinian state' at the United Nations.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, official sources confirmed to the newspaper that Kerry called PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and warned him against taking any unilateral measures, threatening to impose financial and political sanctions on the PA. He said the most effective way forward would be to resume negotiations.

The sources added that “Kerry stressed the importance of calming the situation in occupied Jerusalem to avoid serious consequences.”

The sources said an Arab committee would meet in Cairo on November 29 to put the final touches on an Arab draft resolution to be submitted to the Security Council to recognize the Palestinian state.

However, speaking to al-Araby al-Jadeed, other sources close to the PA expressed doubt that Abbas would actually go through with the UN resolution.

“There are Arab and U.S. pressures that will make it impossible for the Palestinian President to take a step like submitting the draft resolution by the end of this month or even before the end of this year”, the sources added.

I find this hard to believe. But maybe they're still hoping to grab a legacy for President Hussein Obama by forcing Israel to give the 'Palestinians' what they want.

Labels: Abu Mazen, Barack Hussein Obama, John Kerry, Palestinian state RIGHT NOW syndrome, United Nations

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:52 AM