A peace deal with the Palestinians could be possible by the time US President Bill Clinton leaves office on January 20, Israeli Justice Minister Yossi Beilin said Sunday.
"I think it is possible to reach agreement with the Palestinians between now and January 20," Beilin told Israeli radio after returning from a trip to the United States.
"This is a historic situation, with the American president, the most important man in the world, engaged in the peace process. He is ready to help us, and has the confidence of both parties," he added.
"The US President has not spoken of a (Palestinian-Israeli) summit. What is required is a series of discreet and intensive efforts, and the essential goal must be to reduce the violence," Beilin added.
During a 45-minute talk with Clinton on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak reaffirmed his wish to seek a comprehensive settlement with the Palestinian leadership to the conflict in the Middle East, White House spokesman PJ Crowley said.
He said that Clinton remained prepared to "do his utmost" which included inviting Israeli and Palestinian leaders to a new summit in a bid to settle the conflict during the remaining seven weeks of his tenure -- JERUSALEM (AFP)
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