Labor's Paz-Pines confirms progress in talks with Kadima

Labor MK Ophir Paz-Pines on Sunday confirmed reports of substantial progress in coalition talks with Kadima, adding, however, that there were several points on which the two sides were still in disagreement. "For the first time, Kadima has responded to some of our demands," Pines told Israel Radio. He cited the status of Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann and Labor leader Ehud Barak's demand to spearhead negotiations with Syria among the issues that were delaying a coalition agreement.