U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Wednesday said Israeli and Palestinian leaders are "getting down to business" on core issues of renewed peace talks, but gave no sign they are any closer to resolving a looming crisis over Israeli West Bank settlements.
The Palestinians are threatening to walk out of the talks if Israel resumes construction in the settlements after a slowdown expires at the end of the month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this week that at least some construction will resume.
Clinton was in Jerusalem for a second day of talks aimed at ending the impasse, a day after meeting Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at a summit hosted by Egypt.
"They are getting down to business and they have begun to grapple with the core issues that can only be resolved through face-to-face negotiations," Clinton told reporters. "I believe they are serious about reaching an agreement that results in two states living side by side in peace and security."
By: Brant
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