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Last update - 02:44 18/05/2009 Israel, PA hold secret meetings over renewing peace talks By Avi Issacharoff Tags: israel news, shimon peres  DEAD SEA, Jordan - Israel and the Palestinian Authority have launched discreet contacts recently regarding a renewal of negotiations, Haaretz has learned. The meetings come despite the PA's public position to the effect that negotiations will not be resumed until Israel freezes construction in West Bank settlements. President Shimon Peres on Sunday said that Israel is interested in renewing peace talks with the Palestinians immediately. Advertisement Peres met with Jordan's King Abdullah on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East, on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea. The two also apparently discussed the Palestinian peace plan Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present to U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington. The Jordanian king has been urging that peace negotiations be advanced. Abdullah views a stalemate in talks as a threat to the stability of his regime. Peres hinted that Israel would be ready to accept some of the principles of the Saudi peace initiative and told the king that renewed peace talks with the Palestinians would jump-start the Arab peace plan. Peres also said that Israel views favorably the prospect of a peace agreement with virtually the entire Arab world. He added, however, that some aspects of the Saudi peace plan, such as a solution to the Palestinian refugee problem, would have to be negotiated. Peres attracted a great deal of press attention while at the World Economic Forum, and his speech was attended by people from throughout the Muslim world. Related articles: Netanyahu unlikely to back Palestinian state in Obama meet Rival Palestinian factions resume unity talks in Cairo Peres: If Assad wants Israel-Syria peace, why is he shy? Bookmark to del.icio.us   Spies on Facebook Shin Bet warns militants may use Facebook to kidnap Israelis, recruit spies. Popular denial University of Haifa poll finds 40% of Israeli Arabs deny Holocaust happened.   1.   Are we still talking secret meeting? Israel is making fool of PA! 04:34  |  Moise 18/05/09   2.   So Shimon, let me get this straight... 06:52  |  BBSNews 18/05/09   3.   Peres has his eyes on a second noble prize ! 08:05  |  Akram Zekaria 18/05/09   4.   BBS News - Arab League never supported Jordan in that offer 08:46  |  Reid 18/05/09   5.   I TALK TO THE TREES BUT THEY DONT LISTEN TO ME 10:31  |  v hardman 18/05/09   6.   #4 Reid`s nonsensical pontifications 12:54  |  Johnboy 18/05/09   7.   #4 A quote, please, Reid 12:58  |  Johnboy 18/05/09   8.   #2 BBS Your question is directed to the wrong party 13:24  |  The Prophet 18/05/09   9.   A Meeting So "Secret" Haaretz Wouldn`t Tell Us About It. 18:49  |  Dan Friedman 18/05/09   10.   Shimon,take us into your confidence-R U President or PM??? 19:38  |  Alan SA 18/05/09

Read & React U.S. lawmakers to quiz Netanyahu over Palestinian state Responses: 135 Bradley Burston: Obama, Netanyahu, and two states for spoiled brats Responses: 74 Aluf Benn: Israel gives Obama until end of year on Iran Responses: 40 Researchers: Jerusalem will lose Jewish majority by 2035 Responses: 28 More Headlines 14:46 Shin Bet: No chance for peace while Hamas rules Gaza 16:15 Barak: Israel support for Palestinian statehood won't halt Iran 12:59 Hamas: Obama looks to maintain Israel as racist state 13:16 U.S. lawmakers to quiz Netanyahu on Palestinian statehood 14:37 High Court rules in favor of Reform conversions 23:47 IN PICTURES / Obama meets Netanyahu at the White House 10:31 Is Madonna bringing her 'Sticky & Sweet' tour to Israel? 00:06 WATCH: Daily news round-up from Israel 13:50 Who was the 'Menachem' whose ancient jug was found in Jerusalem? 16:33 Hamas leader Marzouk reportedly fired due to Syria and Iran pressure 14:07 Egyptian president's 12-year-old grandson dies 13:20 Obama to Netanyahu: New Mideast initiative soon 00:30 What Obama and Netanyahu really said to each other Previous Editions Select Day 18 may 17 may 15 may 14 may 13 may 12 may 11 may 10 may 08 may 07 may 06 may 05 may

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