An Israeli source said on Tuesday that Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad will not head the Palestinian delegation scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later in the day. Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat is likely to head the delegation in his stead.

Erekat confirmed that Fayyad will not attend the meeting, adding that he is on his way to meet Netanyahu together with West Bank intelligence chief Majed Faraj.

At the meeting, Fayyad was due to present Netanyahu with a missive from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on the stalled peace talks. Also initially scheduled to take part was PLO Executive Committee Secretary Yasser Abed Rabbo.

The reason for Fayyad´s cancelation is apparently due to disagreements with Abbas over the letter.

Around Netanyahu expectations from the meeting are low. Netanyahu’s advisers refused to divulge any information about the meeting, including its time and place. At this time there is no intention of opening any part of the meeting to the media. Apparently, the Palestinians will hold their own press conference once they return to Ramallah.

According to persons close to Netanyahu, the Israeli premier will stress that he is interested in personally meeting with Abbas as soon as possible.

The sides are expected to set a date for a follow-up meeting, in Ramallah, between Netanyahu´s envoy Yitzhak Molcho and President Abbas. At this meeting Molcho will give Abbas Netanyahu’s response, which will include Netanyahu’s position on the Palestinian State’s borders and the security measures Israel will demand as a part of the final settlement with the Palestinians. (© Copyright 2012 Ha´aretz 04/18/12)