GAZA, March 7 (NNN-KUNA) — Talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in an indirect format, is expected to resume in few days, radio Israel reported on Sunday, amidst Israeli press reports that the US administration will not put a lot of effort into the upcoming negotiations, opting instead to focus on the November Congressional elections.

Radio Israel, quoting “Israeli political sources” said today that the launch of the negotiations would be announced on the occasion of the arrival of US Vice President Joe Biden, to Israel tomorrow Monday.

U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell arrived in Israel last night for what is expected to be a final series of talks before the official announcement of the resumption of the indirect talks.

The proximity talks are to continue for four months. They will involve Mitchell going between Jerusalem and Ramallah, relaying messages and responses, or, alternatively, talks in either Washington or Europe.

Mitchell met with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak last night and is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today. Mitchel is slated to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Monday in hopes of announcing the resumption of talks immediately afterward, Monday night.

In the meantime, Israeli daily Haaretz reported that the US administration will ot put a lot of effort into the upcoming negotiations, opting instead to focus on the Novembr Congressional elections.
According to an Israeli internal Foreign Ministry report that was distributed to Israeli diplomatic missions abroad, the paper said the classified report claims that in the preparatory discussions for the Israeli-Palestinian proximity talks the Obama administration adopted positions that are closer to Palestinian demands.

“The recent American statements point to the adoption of wording in line, even if partially and cautiously, with Palestinian demands in regard to the framework and structure of negotiations,” the report stated.

“Still, the (U.S.) administration is making sure to avoid commenting on its position on core issues.” — NNN-KUNA

• SATELLITE IMAGES TO BE USED IN MAPPING FORESTS IN FIJI
• THAI ARMY CHIEF ORDERS HIGH ALERT AGAINST ILLEGAL ACTS ALONG BORDER
• MALAYSIA RECORDS HIGHEST TOTAL TRADE OF RM1.3 TRILLION LAST YEAR
• PARAGUAY'S VICE PRESIDENT & WIFE DOWN WITH DENGUE
• HANTAVIRUS ALERT IN CHILE AFTER THREE DEATHS & TEN INFECTED