US Vice President Al Gore on Thursday hailed the decision by the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to continue their search for peace at Camp David as "courageous and admirable."
But he cautioned the issues they will have to tackle were "extremely tough."
"I think it was a courageous and admirable decision to try," said Gore in a CNN interview.
He said that even in a difficult negotiation it might be worth while forging ahead because progress could be achieved down the road.
The comments follow a dramatic night at Camp David, during which the White House first announced the failure of the summit, and then President Bill Clinton said the parties had decided to continue their talks despite his departure for a Group of Eight summit in Japan.
However, Gore was cautious in his assessment of the development.
"I don't think anything should be read into this decision to stay at Camp David other than that fact that they've got the guts and the stamina to keep trying," said the vice president.
"Like everyone, I have my hopes and prayers with them," he added. "I hope that they'll find peace with security. But these issues are extremely tough, and nobody should have any illusion about that." - WASHINGTON (AFP)
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