Abbas may meet with Obama soon, no date set: Aides

Ramallah: Aides to Mahmoud Abbas say the Palestinian leader could meet with US President Barack Obama soon.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat says the Palestinians requested such a meeting and were told by Obama`s envoy that the US leader would see Abbas in the near future. Erekat said on Sunday that no date was set.
Another aide, Yasser Abed Rabbo, told Palestinian radio that "there is talk about an invitation for President Abbas to visit Washington," possibly next month.

The US is trying to persuade the Palestinians to hold indirect talks with Israel and to end a 16-month breakdown in communications. The Palestinians are reluctant because Israel refuses to stop building for Jews in east Jerusalem, their hoped-for capital.

Bureau Report