Peace with Israel not possible this year: Abbas

Jerusalem, Sept 12 (PTI) - Palestinian Authority President
Mahmoud Abbas has raised doubts over the possibility of an
early peace agreement with Israel, saying that none of the key
issues have been resolved.

In an interview to local daily Ha'aretz on the 15th
anniversary of the Oslo accords, Abbas re-iterated his faith
in the process saying it was the right thing to do.

"Even today, I am sure I would sign the Oslo Accords. I
risked my life for peace, and if I have to pay for it with my
life, it is still a marginal price," he said.

The Palestinian leader accepted that U.S. plays a central
role in the peace process and he sees seriousness on the part
of senior officials in Washington regarding an agreement by
the end of this year but, stressed that "the gaps between the
parties remain wide".

"We presented our ideas and demands regarding the six
issues," Abbas stated, "but have not received any answer from
the Israeli side."

Among other things, the Palestinians are demanding
negotiations over disputed lands claimed by both sides, such
as the Latrun region, as part of their demand for an Israeli
withdrawal from the entire West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East
Jerusalem, subject to territorial swaps.

Regarding the thorny issue of Palestinian refugees, the PA
President showed some flexibility saying, "We understand that
if all five million refugees return to their homes, the State
of Israel will be destroyed."

However, Israel must discuss both its responsibility for
the refugee problem and a practical right of return, he said.

"Palestinians who do not return to Israel will be able to
return to Palestine," the Palestinian leader added.

The solution to the refugee problem should be based on
the Arab peace initiative of 2002, which stated that the
solution must be based on United Nations Resolution 194, but
should be acceptable to Israel, he added. PTI CORR