Abbas spokesman: There is no discussion with US, clear rejection of Trump peace deal

Headline: “The [PA] presidency: There is no discussion with the American administration regarding what is called ‘the deal of the century’”

“The Palestinian [PA] presidency emphasized yesterday [Jan. 24, 2020] that there is no discussion with the American administration, neither brief nor long. This was in response to American President Donald Trump’s statements, according to which ‘his administration spoke briefly with the Palestinians and we will speak with them again.’

The presidency again emphasized through its Spokesman [and PA Deputy Prime Minister] Nabil Abu Rudeina that the Palestinian position is clear and firm in its rejection of Trump’s decisions regarding Jerusalem (refers to his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; see note below –Ed.) and the rest of the issues, and everything regarding the unacceptable deal of the century (i.e., refers to US President Donald Trump’s as yet unpublished Middle East peace plan).”

Nabil Abu Rudeina also serves as PA Minister of Information, Fatah Commissioner of Information, Culture, and Ideology, and Fatah Central Committee member.

US recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel - On Dec. 6, 2017, US President Donald Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Trump added that the final borders of Jerusalem will be determined during negotiations. The US embassy was transferred from Tel Aviv and opened in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018, the anniversary of Israel's declaration of independence in 1948 according to the Gregorian calendar.