RAMALLAH, October 3, 2011 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas discussed on Monday with US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta the latest developments in the Middle East conflict.

Abbas, who received Panetta at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, stressed that the Palestinians are willing to resume negotiations with Israel if it agrees to stop settlement activities and accept the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.

Panetta, on an official visit to the region, said the two-state solution benefits both the Palestinians and the Israelis and therefore the two-state solution should be reached.

He stressed the need to find a way to resume negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis.

M.G./M.S.