This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23486045

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
Ex-US envoy Martin Indyk to lead Mid-East peace talks Obama hails Mid-East talks, warning of 'hard choices'
(35 minutes later)
Secretary of State John Kerry has named a former US ambassador to Israel as the lead negotiator on Middle East peace talks, set to resume Monday. US President Barack Obama has welcomed Middle East peace talks due to begin in Washington later, but cautioned that "hard choices" lie ahead.
Martin Indyk said the assignment was "daunting and humbling", but expressed optimism an agreement could be reached. He spoke after US Secretary of State John Kerry named a former US ambassador to Israel as the lead negotiator.
The talks, stalled since 2010, follow months of shuttle diplomacy by Mr Kerry. The talks, stalled since 2010, follow six visits to the Middle East in the last five months by Mr Kerry.
They were confirmed hours after Israel approved the release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners. The meeting was confirmed hours after Israel approved the release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners.
The move, which split the Israeli cabinet, is to take place in stages over several months.The move, which split the Israeli cabinet, is to take place in stages over several months.
US state department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the initial talks would begin on Monday evening and continue on Tuesday. The initial talks between Israeli and Palestinian representatives are scheduled begin on Monday evening and continue on Tuesday, said the state department.
'Two states' 'Daunting'
Mr Kerry said at a press conference in Washington DC on Monday: "I know the negotiations are going to be tough, but I also know the consequences of not trying will be worse." At a press conference in Washington DC on Monday, Mr Kerry said: "I know the negotiations are going to be tough, but I also know the consequences of not trying will be worse."
Mr Indyk then took to the podium to say: "It is a daunting and humbling challenge, but one that I cannot desist from." He was joined by Martin Indyk, whom he appointed as US special envoy to the talks.
He said he looked forward to working with both sides to "do our best to achieve President Obama's vision of two states, living side by side in peace and security". He told reporters: "It is a daunting and humbling challenge, but one that I cannot desist from."
Mr Indyk, 62, who works at the Brookings Institution think tank, was Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs under former President Bill Clinton and played a key role in the failed Camp David talks of 2000. Mr Indyk, 62, also said he looked forward to working with both sides to "do our best to achieve President Obama's vision of two states, living side by side in peace and security".
"It's been my conviction for 40 years that peace is possible," Mr Indyk said on Monday, citing the ceasefire brokered during the 1973 Middle East war, which happened while he was a student in Jerusalem. The seasoned diplomat played a key role in the failed Camp David talks of 2000 under former President Bill Clinton.
Jen Psaki said Mr Kerry had called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday. State department spokeswoman Jen Psaki suggested the initial talks would be to chart a way forward rather than try to tackle the thorny issues between the two sides.
The Israeli delegation will be led by Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, while chief negotiator Saeb Erekat will represent the Palestinian side. Hanan Ashrawi, a senior Palestinian official, told AFP news agency on Monday: "There must be a timeline and commitment from both sides on what they'll agree about. We hope for something good."
Ms Psaki suggested the initial talks would be to chart a way forward rather than try to tackle the thorny issues between the two sides. The Israeli delegation is to be led by Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, while chief negotiator Saeb Erekat will represent the Palestinian side.
At the UN in New York on Monday, Ms Livni said the talks would be "very tough and problematic".
But she added that efforts towards peace were "a mutual interest for Israel, for the Palestinians, the Arab world, the international community".
Major sticking points include the future of Israeli settlements on the West Bank, the status of Jerusalem and the fate of Palestinian refugees.Major sticking points include the future of Israeli settlements on the West Bank, the status of Jerusalem and the fate of Palestinian refugees.
The issue of settlement-building halted the last direct talks in September 2010.The issue of settlement-building halted the last direct talks in September 2010.
Settlements are considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.Settlements are considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.
The BBC's Katy Watson in Washington says that in the five months that Mr Kerry has been secretary of state he has visited the region six times in an effort to restart talks, so his statement is seen as a big step forward. Also on Sunday, the Israeli cabinet approved the release of 104 long-term Palestinian prisoners by 13 votes to seven.
However, these are talks about talks and although a welcome development it is still very early days, she adds. The inmates are to be released in four stages over a number of months, linked to progress in the peace process.
Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli cabinet approved the release of Palestinian prisoners by 13 votes to seven. Their identities have not been published, but according to reports they include those who have killed Israelis or Palestinian informers.
Some 104 long-term prisoners will be released in four stages over a number of months, linked to progress in the peace process. Sunday's cabinet meeting was delayed by an hour as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought support for his proposal.
The identities of the prisoners have not been published, but according to reports they include those who have killed Israelis or Palestinian informers.
Sunday's cabinet meeting was delayed by an hour as Mr Netanyahu sought support for his proposal.
He said shortly before the meeting: "There are moments in which tough decisions must be made for the good of the nation and this is one of those moments."
The cabinet also approved a draft bill requiring a referendum for any peace agreement with the Palestinians that involves territorial concessions.The cabinet also approved a draft bill requiring a referendum for any peace agreement with the Palestinians that involves territorial concessions.
Mr Netanyahu's office said it was important that every citizen voted directly on such historic decisions. Mr Netanyahu's office said it was important that every citizen voted directly on such decisions.