Palestinians Committed to 9 Months of Peace Talks

(AP) Palestinians committed to 9 months of peace talks
RAMALLAH, West Bank
The chief Palestinian negotiator says the Palestinians will participate in peace talks with Israel for the planned nine months, despite crises over Israel’s settlement expansion on lands they want for their state.

Saeb Erekat says Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will complain about Israel’s settlement policy Monday when he meets French President Francois Hollande.

During a visit to Israel on Sunday, Hollande said settlements could “complicate” a deal between Israel and the Palestinians. Negotiations resumed in July, with the U.S. expressing hopes of a deal in nine months.

Since then, Israel announced plans for thousands more settlement homes. But Erekat said Monday that “we are committed to the nine months” of talks.