Dubai: Proximity talks officially began on Sunday, following a meeting between US Middle East envoy George Mitchell and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The long-awaited indirect talks were a breakthrough in the otherwise stagnant peace negotiations during the tenure of US President Barack Obama.
"There are no negotiations between us and the Israeli government," chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said. "The discussions will be held with Mitchell and the Americans, and they will mediate between the two sides."
Abbas has refused to negotiate with Israel until it freezes colony-building in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem. Many observers believe Israel is just dragging its feet as it continues to expand its colonies on occupied Palestinian land.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday stressed the need for direct talks. "Indirect talks must move swiftly to direct talks," he said. "We cannot solve the most serious issues between us... without sitting in the same room."
Final status issues
Top US officials are pressing the Palestinians to start direct talks as soon as possible, Haaretz newspaper said on Sunday. Quoting a senior Israeli official, the daily said Washington had made clear to the Palestinians that the United States would not unveil mediation proposals or a peace plan before the start of direct, substantive talks between the two sides on final status issues.
The indirect talks, which both sides hope will revive the peace process after a 17-month pause, are expected to cover all final status issues, including borders, security and occupied Jerusalem.
But there is very little expectation that the so-called proximity talks will produce tangible results other than a possible resumption of direct negotiations.
