Скачать или смотреть EGYPT: MIDDLE EAST PEACE TALKS WRAP

(22 Jan 2001) English/Nat
XFA
A marathon round of peace talks are continuing between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators at the Egyptian resort of Taba.

The talks entered their second day on Monday, with the informal setting of a luxury hotel in the Red Sea resort town belying the seriousness of the discussions.

Negotiations centred around the work of two committees - one dealing with Palestinian refugees and the other with the future of Jerusalem, as well as security issues and the transfer of land to the Palestinians.

The talks are focusing on recent proposals by former U-S President Bill Clinton calling for a Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip, 95 per cent of the West Bank and Arab areas of east Jerusalem.

Israel and the Palestinians have accepted Clinton's plan in principle, but both sides have added significant reservations.

The lengthy negotiations are scheduled to last for 10 days and are seen as vital to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak's chances in early elections being held in two weeks.
Barak trails right-wing opponent Likud leader Ariel Sharon by as much as 20 per cent in opinion polls.

Many analysts believe a peace agreement is his last chance of closing the gap.

SOUNDBITE: (English/Arabic)
"I can say that there are very serious discussions. All issues that represent the keys of the agreement were in discussions. There are committees, there is a committee for territory and Jerusalem and security and other committee for refugees. There is still a gap but we are working very seriously, trying to see whether its possible." SUPER CAPTION: Abu Alla, Palestinian negotiator

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We are talking seriously."
SUPER CAPTION: Yossi Beilin, Israeli Justice Minister

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...