Abu Mazen confirms intention of Palestinians to implement Wye accord
The Deputy President in the Palestinian government, Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), who is currently visiting Washington, during which he told ArabicNews.com that the Palestinian government is working on implementing the Hebron agreement and Wye River accord and that there is a detailed examination of Palestinian - US relations.
In a phone interview, he said that talks covered a group of issues and agreements, including the issue of US aid during Abu Mazen's meeting with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
Abu Mazen added: "I requested from Albright to exert efforts for ending suspended issues between US and Israelis, as well as the captives' issues," as until now, the Israelis have not responded to this "important humanitarian and political subject that concerns all the Palestinians."
He said the USA is acting positively and is ready to cooperate, aiming at reaching an agreement between the Palestinians and Israelis.
Concerning the Wye River accord, there are three main issues delaying the implementation of the accord: redeployment and its dates, formulating the article concerning the final status negotiations, and the prisoners.
But Abu Mazen said he believes that if these issues and files are settled, the Wye River accord could be implemented.
Asking whether there is progress regarding the Wye Accord, Abu Mazen said: "No doubt that there are good and condensed talks, and we hope to reach positive outcomes currently and that the negotiations with Israel could come to an end within a week."
ArabicNews.com asked Mazen if Albright will witness during her visit the implementation of the Wye Accord. Abu Mazen answered: "We hope that the implementation would take place in the presence of Albright, because we are deeply concerned with the continuation of the American role."
Abu Mazen also said the Palestinians would be happy if progress took place on the Syrian - Lebanese front and the Syrian - Lebanese - Israeli track reached an agreement.
Finally, Abu Mazen added, "We hope to wait for only a week to see the implementation of the Wye accord, because this depends on the response of the Israeli government to apply these agreements."