No agreement on direct Israel-Palestinian talks

After months of hearing that Israel is the obstacle to peace, reality is setting in.

The Palestinians refuse to participate in peace talks with Israel.

There is still no decision to resume direct Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, President Barack Obama's envoy acknowledged Wednesday, despite optimism in Washington that agreement was close.

Officials in Washington had hoped that envoy George Mitchell's current two-day round of separate talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders would be the last before peace talks are restarted.

Mitchell met Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who repeated his call for direct negotiations.

Mitchell said, "Well, we share your objective, as you know, and we are continuing our efforts."

Netanyahu replied, "So let's get on with it."

http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/No-agreement-on-direct-Israel-Palestinian-talks-611431.php