AMMAN, February 19, 2011 (dpa) – President Mahmoud Abbas told his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres Saturday that negotiations would resume only if Israel stops settlement construction.

This came when Peres telephoned Abbas to discuss the latest developments, according to a statement issued by Abbas’ office.

Abbas told Peres that he was committed to a peaceful solution to the conflict and the two state solution, stressing that Israel should stop all forms of settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, if negotiations are to resume.

Abbas said he was upset by the US veto of a Security Council resolution declaring settlements as illegal and illegitimate, said the statement.

M.A.