The "time out" from the Middle East peace process announced by Prime Minister Ehud Barak Sunday will remain in place as long as violent unrest continues in the Palestinian territories, government spokesman Nachman Shai said.
During the "time out," Shai told a press conference in Jerusalem, there will be no negotiations on the peace process whatsoever with the Palestinian Authority.
"If they (the Palestinians) stop the violence, that will be helpful," he said, referring to a wave of unrest that has rocked the Middle East in the past three weeks, leaving more than 120 people dead and close on 4,000 people -- mainly Palestinians -- injured.
Shai also said it was unlikely the pause in the peace process would end before a new government of national emergency being put together by Barak is formed – JERUSALEM (AFP)
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