The United States on Monday praised the “restraint” shown by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who did not immediately quit Middle East peace negotiations after Israel ended its 10-month freeze on building in the occupied West Bank. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley also expressed U.S. disappointment that Israel did not extend the moratorium on new settler homes, which formally ended at 2200 GMT on Sunday. “In our discussions with both sides over the weekend, we encouraged restraint whenever a decision was made on the Israeli side,” Crowley told reporters. “The Palestinian response so far reflects the restraint. … The restraint at this point is appreciated.” “We are disappointed, but remain focused on our long-term objectives,” Crowley said, referring to the Israeli decision and the quest for a two-state solution. “One way or the other, the parties have to find a way to continue direct negotiations. … We recognize that given the decision yesterday, we still have a dilemma to resolve.” Crowley said U.S. peace-process envoy George Mitchell was traveling to the region late Monday. “We'll be in touch with the Israelis this week,” he said. Abbas has repeatedly warned he would quit the U.S.-mediated talks with Israel if construction resumed on the occupied Palestinian land. But he told reporters in Paris on Monday he would not rush to respond to Israel's failure to extend the freeze, and instead would first consult Palestinian and Arab leaders.
