Egyptian FM: No breakthroughs in restarting peace talks

Ahmed Aboul Gheit says Egypt supports PA's position demanding Israel stop settlement building; Abbas says no reason not to consider other options.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
gheit and suleiman_311 (photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
gheit and suleiman_311
(photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said Thursday that there have been no breakthroughs in the revival of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
The talks have reached an impasse over continued Israeli settlement building.
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At a press conference in Ramallah, Aboul Gheit said Egypt, which has been an important mediator, supports the Palestinian position that Israel stop settlement construction.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who met with  Aboul Gheit in the West Bank, said the Palestinians are focusing on efforts to resume negotiations, but added that there are no reasons not to weigh other alternatives as well.
Aboul Gheit, and Head of Egyptian Intelligence Omar Suleiman stopped in Ramallah Thursday as part of an official visit to the region.