A delegation headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas traveled to Jerusalem and met with Israeli officials on Tuesday for a first round of discussions that would build the basis for a November summit.

Abbas participated at an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, while other top-ranked diplomats from both sides held a separate round of discussions aimed at eliminating any obstacles standing in the path of a peace agreement.

This is the first meeting from a series that would represent the backbone of a conference held in November and mediated by the United States.

According to an Israeli official, the discussion focused on the refugee problem, future borders and the long-disputed status of Jerusalem, all representing “core issues” of a peace deal.

The Temple Mount located in the Old City of Jerusalem is one of the key issue in the feud and according to Israeli media, it has been proposed that the holy site should be administrated by the three religions claiming sovereignty over it. Also, control over several neighbourhoods on East Jerusalem was reportedly discussed by the diplomats.

Previously, Abbas said fundamental issues like the borders of a future Palestinian state, the fate of refugees and status of Jerusalem should be thoroughly debated before the US-sponsored meeting takes place. Otherwise, any further discussion will be pointless.

The Palestinian leader also said that a “declaration of principles” is not the solution to the conflict and the outcome of this series of discussions should be a sturdy agreement.

“We have had it (a declaration of principles) in the past and there is no need to go back to it. It is a waste of time,” Abbas said. “We want a framework showing how to resolve the issues of borders, refugees, settlements, water and Jerusalem.”

When asked about the November summit, Abbas said the exact date, location, participants and agenda remain unclear, but the details will be established in a short period with the American side.

Despite Abbas’ statements, Olmert did not say until which point talks will continue and if Israel’s stance has changed in a radical manner.

This is the fourth round of discussions attended by the two leaders after Hamas took control over Gaza in June by ousting the Fatah-loyal security forces. Abbas moved quickly and formed another caretaker government after dissolving the unity administration formed with Hamas.

But this new government wasn’t recognized by the Islamic movement despite the support received from the Western countries and Israel. Even so, peace talks entered a new era after the administration headed by Salam Fayyad was formed.

Hamas criticized this meetings saying they’re a waste of time and were organized at the “orders” of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, having a poor outcome that resumed in “hugs and kisses.”

Other issues like the free access of Palestinians, status of prisoners and economical aspects are expected to be discussed by Abbas and Olmert.