Palestinians 'seriously' doubt Israel's veracity

Palestinian Authority (PA) said the nation has "serious doubts" about Israel's commitment to recently resumed talks. "We do not have high expectations of the negotiations so far because we know in advance the official position of the Israeli regime," foreign minister Riyad al-Malki said Friday in Ecuador, Al-Alam reported. Malki stressed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not "agreed to cease illegal settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian territories," which has fueled skepticism of the so-called peace talks. "We have serious doubts about Israel's participation and the desire and faith that Israel shows in the negotiations, but that should not stop us from participating with our full faith and desire as Palestinians," he added. The parties resumed long-stalled direct negotiations last months after a three-year hiatus, but the talks have been overshadowed by Israeli plans to build more than 2,000 new homes for Jewish settlers on occupied Palestinian territory. Malki expressed hope that Israel would adopt a "different view" and "surprise" Palestinian negotiators.