If talks fail, PA will collapse

The chief Palestinian Authority negotiator says that if the US-brokered peace talks fail to result in an accord, then the Palestinian will call for an economic boycott of Israel, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.

Saeb Erekat made the comments during an interview given to Al-Jazeera last Friday before an audience of hundreds of students at Britain's Oxford University.

"Turning to international tribunals, to UN bodies, and joining a call for economic sanctions - all that will come if Kerry's initiative fails," Erekat said when asked why the PA does not petition the ICC and ICJ at this time.

Erekat said the PA promised not to attempt to try Israel in international courts, and in return secured the release of 104 Palestinian captives. Therefore, he explained, no suits would be filed until the fourth and final round of captives are released.

Erekat said the PA is preparing for a blitz of lawsuits against Israel in The Hague, adding the PA have more than 50 petitions signed and ready, should talks fail.

Regarding the possibility of extending the nine-month timeframe set for the talks, Erekat said "We will not extend the negotiations for one minute beyond 29th April." Recent reports say Israel is currently working to extend the deadline.

When asked what would happen after the talks reach their April deadline, Erekat said that "the PA cannot sustain its current position."

In such a case, "If Kerry's negotiations fail, the (Palestinian Authority) will collapse. Netanyahu will have to take over (the West Bank) and this is going to be very ugly."