Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman Mahmoud Abbas Monday morning denied media reports that he will quit if an agreement with Israel is not reached within six months. "Abbas would continue exerting efforts to achieve the dream of the Palestinian people in establishing the independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital," according to Nabil Abu Rdeineh, Abbas's spokesman.
"In case of failure to achieve this goal, he will weigh his options then, not now," added PA negotiator Saeb Erakat. The PA did not comment on other reports that Abbas is preparing to announce a break in negotiations with Israel because of lack of progress.