by Saud Abu Ramadan

    RAMALLAH, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erakat, who met with U.S. Mideast Peace Envoy George Mitchell hereon Monday, said that the Palestinians remain committed to fulfilling all of their Road Map obligations.

    "We expect everyone to honor their commitments; this is the only way to return credibility to the peace process," Erekat said in a statement after he met with Mitchell in Ramallah.

    He went on saying "We are not talking about Palestinian pre-conditions but about both Israeli and Palestinian obligations under the Quartet-sponsored Road Map peace plan."

    Mitchell, who arrived in Ramallah earlier on Monday, also held talks with Palestinian Premier Salam Fayyad, Erekat and President Mahmoud Abbas.

    Later on the day, President Abbas briefed Mitchell on the developments in the region "mainly the ongoing Israeli attacks, the Israeli obstinacy and escaping from its commitments to peace," the state-run Palestinian National Authority's Palestine TV channel reported.

    Erakat stressed the importance of the Quartet in the peace process, saying "We expect the Quartet to play a constructive role in holding the parties accountable for honoring their commitments."

    He added that "the success of the peace process will depend on the effective ability of the Quartet to oversee and report on the successes and failures of both sides in carrying out their obligations."

    Erakat also questioned reports of an eventual dismantlement of a few illegal outposts.

    "The Israeli government is openly saying that those settlers will be moved to other settlements. What is achieved from transferring a few settlers from one illegal settlement to another," Erekat wondered.

    He accused Israel "for showing no intention of stopping its illegal settlement activity, particularly in and around occupied East Jerusalem."

    President Abbas had repeatedly stressed that peace negotiations with Israel won't be renewed "unless Israel clearly accepts the principle of the two-state solution and the complete freeze of settlement including the natural growth."

    "We have expressed to senator Mitchell that in order to make the future round of negotiations successful we need to have a framework that can lead to a final resolution," said Erekat.

    He added that Israel has failed to fulfill any of its Road Map obligations, including a settlement freeze, the reopening of Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem, removal of outposts, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

    "Under this scenario it is obvious that the Israeli government refuses to resume the permanent status negotiations, on all core issues, that were discontinued in December 2008.

    Erakat remained optimistic that Senator Mitchell will persuasively emphasize that it is in Israeli and the regional interest that Israel implement its obligations as Palestinians continue with steps to plan and build their state.

    Mitchell's visit to Palestinian territories came after his visits to Syria, Israel and Egypt. On Sunday, Mitchell was in Syria, where he had talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The talks between al-Assad and the U.S. Envoy was "positive and constructive."

    It is becoming increasingly clear that Obama is intent on turning a fresh page in relations with Syria. The Bush administration's policy was one of isolating Damascus, to the extent that it raised serious objection when it became known that Israel has entered indirect talks with Syria in 2008.

    Mitchell winded up his short visit for Syria then turned to Israel on Sunday, during his a few hours stay he placated the country over the two allies' disagreement on the settlement issue, and reiterated America's commitment to Israel's security.

    While admitting their divergence on the subject, one of the core issues impeding the U.S.-backed Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Mitchell assured Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak that the current differences are "discussions among friends," instead of "disputes among adversaries."

    Late on Sunday, Mitchell arrived in Egypt in an effort to promote peace process in the Middle East. He met with Egyptian President Mubarak in Cairo earlier Monday and encouraged Arab countries to normalize their relationship with Israel.

    "We are meeting with the leaders of many Arab nations in the region to encourage them to take genuine steps towards normalization," Mitchell said in a press conference.