P.A.: Israel could make or break peace

JERUSALEM, June 4 (UPI) -- Palestinian Authority negotiator Saeb Erekat Thursday said he fears U.S. President Barack Obama's speech in Egypt may have fallen on deaf ears.

Speaking shortly after Obama delivered his long awaited speech at Cairo University, Erekat said he had expected Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to respond officially to Obama's statements, instead of issuing a vague statement. Nonetheless he said, Obama's speech was a big step forward.

As far as the Palestinian Authority is concerned, Erekat said, "we are obligated to the road map and our commitments. We have a very big responsibility but so do the Israelis. We will stay the course."

Erekat praised Obama for his genuine attempt as the first leader of the western world willing to define Muslim relations. However, Erekat warned tests lay ahead.

"The real test will be tomorrow, next week or next month. If Netanyahu continues building in the settlements, refuses to agree to a two state solution and continues the siege on the West Bank and Gaza, then even Obama's speech will be unable to change the hearts of the Arab world," he told UPI in a telephone interview.

Erekat warned "what will make or break Obama's policy in the region will heavily depend on Israel's behavior."