RAMALLAH, June 02, 2008, (WAFA)-Head of PLO Negotiations department, Saeb Ereikat said on Monday that the differences between the Palestinian and Israeli sides on settlements are still strong deep and difficult.

In a press conference in Ramallah, Ereikat told reporters that the Israeli decisions on settlements in Jerusalem and the file of the final status issue were tackled during the meeting between President and Israeli Prime Minster.

Ereikat added that the Palestinian side is cling to the main goal of the peace process which the establishment of the independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders.

He denied that the debates on calm in the Gaza Strip have failed, affirming that contacts between the Egyptian and Israeli sides still continue.