(AP-Washington Post) Josef Federman - Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath said Thursday that the Palestinians accepted a U.S. proposal for a 60-day extension to the Israel settlement slowdown, with the idea that final borders between Israel and a Palestinian state be negotiated during that time. If borders are set, Israel could then resume construction on all territories it expects to keep. "We accepted a moratorium for two months on condition that by the end of this period we will reach an agreement on the issue of the borders," he said. Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren, confirmed to the Washington Post that the U.S. has offered "incentives" for Israel to extend the settlement curbs. Israeli officials have said that a package of "assurances" is being sought, ranging from U.S. diplomatic support at the UN to new military aid to backing for key Israeli positions in the peace talks.
2010-10-08 09:29:59Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive