Kerry, Saeb Erekat to discuss 'way forward' in Washington

US Secretary of State John Kerry is slated to meet Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat at the State Department next week to discuss the stalled negotiations with Israel. At a press briefing in Washington on Friday, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said a Palestinian delegation would arrive at the US capital on Monday, November 3rd, for high-level talks on 'the way forward for the Middle East,' and the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The meeting will also focus on 'lowering tensions' in Jerusalem which has seen an uptick in violence following the death of a Jewish activist by a Palestinian extremist and the subsequent closure of the Temple Mount to visitors. Kerry has voiced his concern over the intense friction that has enveloped the holy city, urging restraint on both sides. On Thursday after Israeli authorities closed the holy mountaintop site, the top US diplomat said it was absolutely necessary to avoid provocative steps and rhetoric, in light of the volatile situation. Kerry was in contact with his Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian counterparts, he said, and was monitoring the situation in Jerusalem closely.

Kerry, Saeb Erekat to discuss 'way forward' in Washington

The November 3rd talks will focus on the stalled peace process, Psaki notes.

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