RAMALLAH, Thursday, December 23, 2021 – President Mahmoud Abbas’ Wednesday meeting with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was described as “candid and frank,” according to the Presidency.

Presidential Spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh told Voice of Palestine that during the meeting, President Abbas reaffirmed that he is still waiting for US President Joe Biden to fulfill his commitments regarding the two-state solution, the reopening of the US consulate in Jerusalem, halting Israel’s settlement expansion, respecting the fragile historical status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and stopping the forced expulsions of Palestinian families in Jerusalem.

Abu Rudeineh said Sullivan reiterated the US administration’s commitment to delivering on these promises and noted that Washington was making substantial efforts on all related issues.

He added that Sullivan informed President Abbas that he had relayed President Biden’s positions directly to Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, including the US commitment to the two-state solution, its interest in reopening the consulate in East Jerusalem, and its reservations about ongoing Israeli settlement activities.

Abu Rudeineh concluded that major responsibilities lie ahead for the Palestinian leadership, particularly concerning the upcoming session of the Palestinian Central Council.

K.F.