国际英语新闻：Abbas rejects U.S. request to set date for direct talks without reference

Abed Rabbo announced that within the upcoming few weeks, "there will be more Palestinian contacts and debates, mainly during the PLO Central Council meeting which will be held on September. The PCC is the highest body that usually convenes to make decisions on substantial Palestinian issues.

Meanwhile, an aide to President Abbas, revealed on Monday that the PNA is considering holding a three-way meeting that joins Israeli, Palestinian and United States officials to find a reference for launching the direct peace talks.

"Holding a three-way meeting on a low profile is one of the presented suggestions that the PNA is considering," Nemer Hamad told Palestinian Radio "voice of Palestine," adding "The Palestinians would welcome a deal with Israel that ends the occupation and establish the Palestinian state."

Earlier on Monday, the Israeli Ha'aretz Daily reported that the U.S. administration is holding contacts with both Israel and the Palestinians to hold a three-way meeting on a low profile to seek a reference and a timetable for the direct negotiations between Israel and the PNA.

The daily reported that in case the PNA accepts the U.S. proposal, the meeting will be held next week, with the participation of U.S. peace envoy George Mitchell, Yitzhak Molkho, an aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat.

"If Israel accepts to halt settlement, recognize a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and solving the refugees' issue, we will be happy to have such a deal with the Israeli government," said Hamad, adding "If this doesn't happen, we won't give Israel the excuse that we are an obstacle for peace."