By Israel Insider staff and partners April 14, 2005
U.S. envoys will be arriving in Israel and the Palestinian Authority this week for a first-hand look at Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' political situation and to examine ways to help strengthen his rule in light of the increasing difficulties he faces.
The envoys -- Deputy National Security Adviser Elliott Abrams, and David Walsh, head of the Middle East department in the State Department -- will meet with Abbas and with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. They'll be wanting to hear from Sharon what exactly he is ready to do to help Abbas.
The announcement of the planned visit follows this week's meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and U.S. President George W. Bush at the president's ranch in Texas.
U.S. Embassy spokesman Paul Patin said a date had not been set for the American envoys' visit, but confirmed the envoys would meet with senior Palestinian and Israeli leaders. He described the visit as a routine part of American diplomacy in the region.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the visit would probably take place next week.
He said subjects on the agenda included the withdrawal of Israeli troops from West Bank population centers agreed on during a meeting between Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in February and a resumption of Israel-Palestinian negotiations within the framework of the U.S.-backed "road map" for Middle East peace.
Israeli media reported that Abrams' and Welch's conversations with Sharon would concentrate on ways of strengthening Abbas' position.
At the February meeting with Abbas, Sharon undertook to withdraw Israeli forces from five West Bank population centers, but so far troops have only been withdrawn from two.
Israel says no further withdrawals can take place until Abbas takes additional steps to control Palestinian militants, while the Palestinians accuse Sharon of foot-dragging.
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