Following heavy international pressure, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas agreed to the U.S. proposal to hold talks with Israel - in the format of indirect negotiations conducted by U.S. special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell. Abbas has agreed in principle to the U.S. proposal for indirect talks and intends to ask for a number of clarifications with the U.S. administration and will consult with Arab leaders prior to giving Washington his final response. [Read the full article]