[28/July/2010]

GAZA, July 28 (Saba) -- While Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman stressed on Wednesday Jordan plays an important role in efforts to bring about direct negotiations with the Palestinians, Deputy Premier Silvan Shalom said the Palestinians' conditions for such talks are "impossible," according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Lieberman was quoted by Radio Israel as saying direct negotiations should be started between Israel and the Palestinian Authority without any pre-conditions, and effort must be channeled to reaching a peace agreement. Such development would be in the best interest of both parties, he stressed.

The minister also made it clear Israel's position remains one of several-month freeze of settlement activity, without extension.

Shalom for his part told the radio the three conditions of the Palestinians are impossible to accept; to pick up from where efforts ended in late 2008 under the Olmert government, a full Israeli pullout from the West Bank, including Jerusalem, and a continued freeze in settlement activity.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had on Monday expressed willingness to go into direct talks, provided they are based on a clear and mutually honored basis and points of reference.

The US administration meanwhile repeats it is in favor of and pushing for direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Saba