Then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during a bilateral meeting at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan on September 19, 2016. . (photo credit: REUTERS/DARREN ORNITZ)
Jerusalem Post: Kerry to Abbas confidante: 'Stay strong and do not give in to Trump'
The former US Secretary of State also surprised his interlocutor by saying he was seriously considering running for president in 2020.
While the White House has confirmed that since the Jerusalem Declaration there has been a complete disconnect between the Palestinian Authority and the Trump administration, it turns out that the previous administration has maintained contact with PA officials.
Maariv reported that former US secretary of state John Kerry met in London with a close associate of PA President Mahmoud Abbas, Hussein Agha, for a long and open conversation about a variety of topics. Agha apparently reported details of the conversation to senior PA officials in Ramallah. A senior PA official confirmed to Maariv that the meeting took place.
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Update #1: John Kerry reportedly coaches Palestinians not to 'yield' to Trump in peace talks, spurring backlash (FOX News)
Update #2: John Kerry tells Mahmoud Abbas ally that he might run for president in 2020 as he urges Palestinians to 'play for time' and 'not give in to Trump' (Daily Mail)
WNU Editor: President Trump's policy towards the Palestinians has been very clear .... Trump says U.S. aid to Palestinians won't continue until they return to peace talks. (CBS). And while former US Secretary of State John Kerry's remarks are sending a different message, I doubt that anyone is going to act on what he says.
Update #3: Good grief .... John Kerry considering presidential run in 2020: report (The Hill).
Update #4: The Palestinians have been at war with Israel for decades, this poll changes nothing .... Trump's Jerusalem move boosts Palestinian support for 'armed struggle': poll. (AFP).
