Israeli, Palestinian leaders meet

[oberliner]

JERUSALEM - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert resumed face-to-face negotiations Monday, trying to push forward peace efforts after nearly two months marred by heavy Gaza Strip violence and new Israeli plans to expand settlements.

Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said Olmert and Abbas agreed to meet every two weeks.

"Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the Annapolis process and to reaching a historic agreement by the end of the year," Regev said.

He said the Palestinians discussed Israeli settlement construction and humanitarian issues in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel raised its security concerns and called on the Palestinians to rein in militants.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080407/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians;_ylt=AobDbH6sZJ5f09T4p9.1euCs0NUE

[madeline_con]

1. Netanyahu's response...

Annapolis process won't lead to peace, Netanyahu says

Speaking to foreign journalists, Israel's popular former prime minister suggests that the exercise could die if he returns to office
MARK MACKINNON

From Monday's Globe and Mail

April 7, 2008 at 5:10 AM EDT

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080407.wmideast07/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080407.wmideast07

"Nattie" makes me ill, but I'm just saying, for those who want more info.

[LeftishBrit]

2. I hope he DOESN'T return to office!

[LeftishBrit]

3. I do hope something comes of this.

I'm not too optimistic, as both leaders are in a weak position even if they are sincere; and there seem to be so many obstacles in the way. But I'm still hoping for a miracle or two!