Israel and Palestinian agree on talks

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 11-28-2007 13:26

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice makes closing remarks at the Mideast Peace Conference in Annapolis November 27, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Reed (UNITED STATES)

The Middle East Peace Conference in Annapolis concluded on Tuesday. Israelis and the Palestinians have agreed to launch immediate talks to try and forge a final settlement of their decades-long conflict by the end of 2008.

The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, announced the closing of the Mideast Peace Conference.

She said talks focusing on the creation of an independent Palestinian state and final borders of the two states, are set to begin on December 12th and will continue on a biweekly basis thereafter.

Rice acknowledged that the road ahead would be difficult but not impossible.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (C) smiles with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (R) as U.S. President George W. Bush looks on at the Israel-Palestinian Peace Conference at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, November 27, 2007. REUTERS/Larry Downing (UNITED STATES)

Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State, said, "This work will be hard, it involves risks and sacrifices for all concerned. But today's events have demonstrated unambiguously that the international community will fully support the path the parties have chosen."

US President George W. Bush announced the agreement in a speech earlier at the conference.

The accord emerged from lengthy, last-minute talks on a joint document meant to chart the course for negotiating the toughest issues including borders, security and the fate of Palestinian refugees.

President Bush stands on stage with Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Israel-Palestinian Peace Conference at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, November 27, 2007. (Jim Young/Reuters)

Saeb Erekat, Senior Palestinian Negotiator, said, "The day after Annapolis is the resumption of the permanent status negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. It is not going to be an easy road. It's going to be a long, difficult road. Issues of Jerusalem, borders, settlements, refugees, security is what make Israelis and Palestinians breathe."

US President George W. Bush is scheduled to inaugurate those negotiations at the White House on Wednesday. He will meet separately with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and will then hold a three-way session.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei