Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called on Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas Monday to enter into direct negotiations with Israel immediately.
"He can come to Jerusalem, I could go to Ramallah or we could both go to Brussels," the Prime Minister suggested.
Netanyahu noted that since taking up office, he has ascribed supreme importance to the holding of direct negotiations and added that to his regret, the PA leadership has chosen to refrain from direct dialogue, preferring instead to appeal to the UN, a move which will lead to deadlock.
Prime Minister Netanyahu made the statement as he met with Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme at his official residence and welcomed him on his first visit to Jerusalem, noting that this was a good opportunity to improve bilateral relations.
The two leaders discussed economic development and bio-technology and agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in these areas.
Senior Fatah official Nabil Shaath said Sunday that he expects 140 countries to recognize and vote for a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly's 66th meeting, due to be held on September 23.