Kerry pushes for Israeli-Palestinian framework deal

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat listens as US Secretary of State John Kerry (L) speaks to the media after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (not pictured) in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Jan 4, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

RAMALLAH - In the marathon meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, US Secretary of State John Kerry tried to make the two sides reach a framework agreement to push the peace talks ahead, an official of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) told Xinhua Sunday.

Kerry on Sunday wrapped up a three-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. Before leaving for Jordan, Kerry was quoted by Israel Radio as saying that the United States and President Barack Obama are committed to presenting a "fair and balanced" peace plan for the Middle East and improving security for all nations in the region.

During the press conference after his meeting with Abbas on Saturday, Kerry also said some progress were made in the peace talks, without mentioning any details.

However, the Palestinian source said on condition of anonymity that Kerry hasn't officially presented to the Palestinian side any written document or a plan for a framework agreement, except for discussing issues such as recognizing Israel as a Jewish state.

Nabil Abu Rdineh, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in a press statement that "President Abbas rejects all transitional, partial and temporary solutions".

He added that Abbas and Kerry agreed to continue their meetings in the coming weeks.

Since March 2013, Kerry has been exerting efforts between Israel and the Palestinians to help the two sides resolve their differences and reach a peace agreement.