RAMALLAH, November 19, 2007 (WAFA) - Head of the PLO Negatiations Affairs Department Saeb Erikat said on Monday that President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli PM Ehud Olmert agreed that Palestinian and Israeli negotiating teams will continue to meet.

Speaking to reporters in Ramallah, Erikat said the meeting was 'serious, in-depth and difficult.' He also said that President Abbas told Olmert the talks should not only be based on the confidence building procedures, but also on implementing the Road Map peace plan.

He also said that President Abbas demanded Olmert to reopen the Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem and remove the colonies, adding that the Israelis announced they will release 450 prisoners; a step welcomed by the Palestinian Leadership.