WASHINGTON: The Israelis and the Palestinians are set to resume their peace talks in Washington on Monday evening.
According to a statement issued by the State Department, US Secretary of State John Kerry extended his invitation to both sides in his telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
“Both leaders have demonstrated a willingness to make difficult decisions that have been instrumental in getting to this point. We are grateful for their leadership,” Kerry said in a statement.
The initial meetings will be attended by Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Yitzhak Molcho while the Palestinians will be represented by chief negotiator Saeb Erekat and Muhammad Shtayyeh.
The Israeli government on Sunday approved the release of 104 Palestinian prisoners in connection with the Middle East peace negotiations.