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'American ideas' key to success in Palestinian negotiations with Israel

Long-time Palestinian negotiator complains about Israeli settlement growth, but says Palestinians have the most to gain if current US-brokered negotiations with Israel yield a peace agreement.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) listens as Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat speaks to the media after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (not pictured) in the West Bank city of Ramallah January 4, 2014. Israel and the Palestinians are making progress towards reaching a framework peace agreement but they are not there yet, Kerry told reporters on Saturday. REUTERS/Brendan Smialowski/Pool (WEST BANK - Tags: POLITICS) - RTX171VX

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on March 18 called the latest meeting between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and US President Barack Obama “candid, difficult and long” and said that Abbas had given Obama a map showing that Israel has built more than 10,000 new housing units in Jewish settlements since talks resumed last year.

Erekat, in a rare public appearance in Washington, said Israel's settlement construction amounts to “four times the natural growth of New York City,” but that the Palestinians remain committed to the talks and appreciate the efforts of Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry.

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