Arabs against peace talks without clear borders

Arabs want US to take a firm stance on future borders of a Palestinian state.

Cairo: Arab foreign ministers spoke out against any talks between Israel and the Palestinians, direct or indirect, unless the US takes a firm stance on the future borders of a Palestinian state.

The United States` peace efforts suffered a major setback after Washington abandoned efforts to coax Israel to freeze Jewish settlement in areas Palestinians want for a future state.

Qatari Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim said on Wednesday Arabs are sceptical the US will be able to pressure Israel on core issues if it failed to force a settlement freeze. Therefore, he said, Arabs can`t support a new round of talks.
A draft resolution of the foreign ministers` meeting calls on the US to clearly declare 1967 borders as baseline for negotiations.

PTI