Palestinians: Hope for Mideast talks 'diminishing'
10/22/2013UNITED NATIONS — The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations says “tangible progress remains elusive” in renewed peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor struck a similarly dim tone during a Security Council debate on the Middle East today. Both sides lashed out at each other for recent violence and gave no signs of budging on long-held stances that have obstructed peace prospects for decades.
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said that “despite genuine efforts being exerted tangible progress remains elusive and hopes are diminishing.” He blamed “provocative Israel actions and declarations” for undermining the “spirit and intent of the negotiations.”
U.N. Under Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman acknowledged that “despite the intensification of negotiations, there have been worrisome developments on the ground that we cannot ignore.”