Kerry: ’Israeli’, Palestinian Authority Peace Talks to Last 9 Months

Local Editor

US Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday that "Israel" and the western-backed Palestinian Authority will seek to reach a so-called peace agreement within nine months.

He further revealed that the negotiators will meet again within two weeks after holding a "positive" first round of talks.

Senior aides to "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas held their first talks this week since 2010, but focused largely on the framework for negotiations rather than the substance of their dispute.

Speaking after the meetings, which included a session with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden as well as direct talks between the two sides without US officials present, Kerry said he believed "peace was possible despite the obstacles."
"I know the path is difficult. There is no shortage of passionate skeptics. But with capable, respected negotiators ... I am convinced that we can get there," he said, flanked by "Israeli" minister Tzipi Livni and Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat.

Livni said that the negotiations are not intended to "argue about the past, but to create solutions and make decisions for the future."
For his part, Erakat said: "No one benefits more from the success of this endeavor than Palestinians."
Kerry has urged "Israelis" and Palestinians to strike "reasonable compromises."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team