RAMALLAH, August 24, 2010 (WAFA)- A senior US official stated, today, that no terms of reference are yet determined for the direct negotiations, and are, yet, to be decided by the Palestinian and Israeli parties, next week.

He affirmed the U.S position stating that every issue related to the negotiations, including agenda, scenario and permanent status issues, are, yet, to be determined by the Palestinian and Israeli parties. The U.S role is to work together with President Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who are seriously committed to end the conflict, and who had said that it is difficult, not easy.

The senior official told journalists that the statements made recently by Netanyahu, are not preconditions but goals to be put on the negotiations table. “The U.S position has always been that there should be no preconditions, beforehand.”

Responding to a question about the Israeli settlements, he reiterated what U.S President Obama had said, “We do not recognize the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements.” The Official did not say anything regarding the settlements already existing.

He affirmed that both parties should refrain from any actions that might undermine the talks, “Both sides must push forward the talks not hinder them.”

He also said: “We want to see a two-state solution, where a Palestinians state is independent, democratic, viable contiguous, prosperous and living side by side in peace and security with Israel.”