US says scrapping Pence, Abbas meeting would be "counterproductive"

WASHINGTON, Dec 8 (KUNA) -- The US warned the Palestinians that cancelling the meeting between US Vice President Mike Pence and President Mahmoud Abbas later this month would be "counterproductive," according to reports from local news outlets late Thursday.
The statement comes after a senior Palestinian official stressed that Pence would not be welcomed.
Pence, "still intends to meet Mr Abbas and Palestinian leaders and thinks any decision to pull out of the meeting would be counterproductive," news outlets quoted a White House official.
During his visit later this month, Pence will also visit Israel and Egypt.
Two days ago, US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a move seen by Palestinians as a very irresponsible and threatens the peace process.
Responding to Trump's decision Palestinian President Abbas said recently that this is a reward to Israel for its violations to international resolutions and an encouragement for Israelis to continue their policy of occupation, settlements, apartheid and ethnic cleansing. (end) ak.mb