BREAKING NEWS

Diplomats: Arab countries propose return to indirect talks

SIRTE, Libya —  Some Arab countries are proposing that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas return to indirect negotiations to avoid a total breakdown of Mideast peace talks, diplomats said Friday.
The proposal came as Arab League leaders met in Libya amid a crisis over Israel's refusal to extend a slowdown in settlement construction in the Palestinian territories.
Arab foreign ministers are meeting Friday ahead of a summit on Saturday. A resolution to call off the talks would be a critical setback. The diplomats described the proposal on condition of anonymity because they aren't authorized to release the information.