RAMALLAH, West Bank, March 24 (UPI) -- The United States has been asked by the Palestinian Authority chairman to open negotiations for a final Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, a report says.
Mahmoud Abbas said he believes a peace deal can be reached within one year.
Speaking to Ha'aretz from the Muqata compound in Ramallah, Abbas said U.S. President George W. Bush would spearhead the talks after the new Israeli government was set up.
Abbas said he had also raised the idea at a meeting with Israeli leader Shimon Peres two weeks ago in Jordan. Abbas said the Hamas government would not stop him from negotiating with Israel.
Bush has not responded to Abbas' suggestion that he pressure the Israeli government to resume the peace process, a senior Palestinian source said.
