RAMALLAH, March 29, 2018 (WAFA) - The Palestinian Authority rejected on Thursday statements by the US ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, in which he called for replacing President Mahmoud Abbas if he does not return to negotiations with Israel.

Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh described Friedman’s statements as “blatant and unacceptable interference in internal Palestinian affairs.”

He said the Palestinian people will not allow any foreign party, regardless of who that party is, to decide its fate.

"It seems that Friedman speaks on behalf of Israel more than he speaks for the United State, and appoints himself as defender of Israel and the settlers,” said Abu Rudeineh, adding that Friedman “does not represent the interests of the United States of America, but a mentality that only wants to inflame the atmosphere and harm the American people."

He said that this type of mentality, which serves only the interests of extremists and settlers, is what created ISIS, extremism and violence.

Abu Rudeineh called on the US administration to put an end to such behavior, which harms the American people more than it harms the Palestinian people. "This administration should clarify its position from the continuing statements of its ambassador, which do not go with diplomatic norms," he said.

M.K.