Arabs back resumption of Israeli - Palestinian talks

Arab League nations on Saturday backed a resumption of talks between the Palestinians and Israel. According to Reuters, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said after a meeting of Arab officials in Cairo that it would back indirect negotiations between Palestinian and Israeli officials.

"The timeframe of indirect talks will not change from what was agreed to in March, and there will be no change from indirect talks to direct talks until after the outcome of indirect talks has been assessed," he said.

Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, said the condition for Arab League support would be a halt of settlement activity in the West Bank. "If Israel builds one house in the West Bank, Palestinians will immediately stop the negotiations," he said.