US tilting toward Israel inhibits peace talks in Middle East

WASHINGTON - The US government's decision to close the Palestine Liberation Organization's office in Washington, stepping up pressure on the Palestinians, revealed Washington's obvious siding with Israel, a stance that could further undermine the already derailed Middle East peace process, said US experts on Monday.

The Palestinian Authority said that it will not abandon its principles following the US decision to close the office.

The spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Nabil Abu Rdeneh, said the Palestinian Authority will maintain its "commitment to the resolutions of international legitimacy", according to a written statement released on Monday.