Abbas confirms negotiations with Israel in US next week

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Ramallah -  Nihad Al Taweel? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has disclosed that negotiations with Israel are scheduled to begin in Washington on Tuesday. In a press conference in Ramallah, Abbas said that two Palestinian delegations and an ?Israeli delegation would meet in the US capital to formally discuss peace in the Middle East.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) chief also hinted at the possible release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, by stating that Sunday would bring "good news" for the Palestinian detainees.
"You ?should follow the Israeli media on Sunday," he told local journalist, "as there will be good news regarding the ?prisoners," he added, without going into the specifics.
Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said that President Abbas had spoken to US Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday evening, and the US official assured Abbas of his country's support for the resumption of peace talks.
Commenting on some Palestinian groups' opposition to negotiations with Israel, Abbas said: "There ?were objections about going to the United Nations, but after our success, it was proven that these objections were misplaced."?
"The negotiations are not the only way to move forward, but they are an option. We will never compromise Palestinian interests," he added.?
Abbas reiterated the Palestinian stance regarding Israeli settlements. "We refuse to discuss large or small settlements, because that means recognising the settlements. We don’t recognise illegitimate settlements," he asserted.?
Meanwhile, the Israeli government has increased the number of Palestinian prisoners it is planning to release from 82 to 104, Israel Radio has reported.
The station added that detainees would be released in stages, following the beginning of negotiations between the two sides.