Abbas hits out at lack of action on pull-out

PALESTINIAN President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday accused Israel of undermining peace efforts by dragging its feet over promises to free prisoners and pull back from West Bank cities.

Addressing the Palestinian parliament, Mr Abbas voiced his toughest criticism of Israel since agreeing a ceasefire a month ago. Israel froze peace moves after a Palestinian suicide bombing on February 25.

Mr Abbas turned up the heat just hours before he was due to meet Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz, resuming talks for handing over five West Bank towns to Palestinian control. It will be the highest-level negotiations since last month's summit in Egypt.