Abbas waits on decision to pull out of peace talks

THE Palestinian president said yesterday he would wait at least a week before deciding whether to quit Mideast peace talks, giving US mediators precious time to broker a compromise after Israel refused to extend its 10-month moratorium on new West Bank settlement construction.

President Mahmoud Abbas had repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the newly launched negotiations if Israel resumed building in the settlements. But with the stakes so high, Abbas said during a visit to Paris that he would not make any hasty decisions.

He said he would consult with the Palestinian leadership before discussing the matter with representatives of the 22-member Arab League next Monday.