Two topics at J Street conference: Mahmoud Abbas says he's ready to 'remove obstacles' to relations with USc

(JTA) - Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said he was ready to "remove obstacles" to renewing U.S.-Israel ties, apparently signaling a willingness to stop the payments to the families of Palestinians who have killed Israelis that have proven to be a stumbling block.

Speaking Sunday to J Street's annual conference, Abbas also urged the participants of the liberal Middle East policy group's forum to lobby Congress "to repeal all laws that block the road toward enhancing Palestinian-U.S. relations." The current law designates the Palestine Liberation Organization as a terrorist group...