Meeting in Jerusalem
Photo: Avi Ohayom, GPO
Abbas, Bibi meet in Jerusalem
Palestinian leader signs guestbook, says he hopes to bring 'eternal peace' to region
Washington, Sharm el-Sheikh, and now Jerusalem: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Wednesday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the PM's Residence in Jerusalem.
At the opening of the meeting, a smiling Netanyahu said he was happy to host Abbas, adding that "we have much work to do." Abbas, also smiling, humorously responded by saying the two leaders "haven't met in a while."
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Special Envoy George Mitchell also took part in the meeting, as Israeli, Palestinian, and American flags were placed at the lobby of Netanyahu's official residence.
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The Palestinian leader signed the guestbook at the PM's Residence, writing that he is back at the site after a long absence to continue the negotiations, in the hopes of securing eternal peace in the entire region.
Abbas wrote that he especially wishes to secure peace "between the Israeli people and the Palestinian people."
Meanwhile, Yesha Council members were protesting outside the venue, and brought along a huge sign featuring the names of thousands of Likud members, under the headline: "Don't capitulate, build." The display urged the prime minister to deliver on his word and refrain from extending the settlement construction freeze.
Earlier in the day, Netanyahu met separately with Clinton, Mitchell, and other US officials and also with senior Israeli negotiators. During the meeting with the secretary of state, Netanyahu told Clinton the international community must use all means at its disposal to secure Gilad Shalit's release and ensure that the International Red Cross or another recognized body are allowed to visit him.
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