Negotiations with Israel have to be radically changed

Israel's decision to abandon the plan to release the last group of prisoners shows that "all conditions have radically changed future negotiations," said for the AFP on Thursday, the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Yasser Abed Rabbo.

"We are surprised of the Israeli decision on canceling the release of prisoners (closed) before the Oslo Accords in 1993. Israel has a habit of circumventing the agreements and arrangements which they signed" Abed Rabbo said, the general secretary Executive Committee of the PLO.

"For this reason all conditions have radically changed for the future negotiations," he said, denouncing a "consistent policy of blackmail and pressure".

"Israel wants talks without seriousness and without base to gain time in order to enhance and extend (the) colonization", accused the Palestinian leader.

According to the head of the Israeli delegation of negotiators, Tzipi Livni, the Palestinian Authority has been informed that the Israeli government refuses to honor its commitment to release 26 Palestinian prisoners.

The decision was taken after the Palestinian Authority decided to join 15 international treaties and agreements, an approach challenged by Israel.