A Palestinian official denied on Sunday that the United States threatened the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) for refusing going to direct talks with Israel, Xinhua reported.
"The U.S. did not make any threats," chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told Xinhua, adding "we are still in daily contact with the U.S. administration."
The Palestinian official said that President Mahmoud Abbas had received a letter from the U.S. President Barack Obama in mid July in which he urged Abbas to start direct negotiations with Israel which will lead to an independent Palestinian state.
"The letter did not include any threats or warnings," said Erekat, adding "but Obama explained that his role would be less if we don't take his recommendation to start direct talks."
An Arab League (AL) peace committee endorsed on Thursday the U. S. request to start the Israeli-Palestinian direct negotiations, but left it to Abbas to decide when to start negotiating with Israel.
The Palestinians and the Israelis have been engaged in U.S-led indirect talks that are meant to pave the way for the resumption of direct discussions that halted in 2008.
However, the Palestinians stress that they cannot start direct discussions unless Israel freezes settlement activities and recognizes the borders of a future Palestinian state.