Middle East mediators propose resumption of talks

Middle East peace mediators have called on Israel and Palestine to resume peace talks to reach a deal by the end of next year.

The United States, Russia, European Union, and United Nations issued a statement after their foreign ministerial-level meeting on Friday.

The move follows Palestine's application for full UN membership as an independent state by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The UN Security Council is to hold informal talks on the matter on Monday.

The statement proposes that Israel and Palestine hold preliminary talks within one month to come up with proposals and an agenda on border demarcation and security issues within 3 months.
The 2 sides are urged to reach agreement on these issues by the end of next year at the latest.

The statement was issued apparently to prevent the Middle East peace process from collapsing. There is concern that progress in talks over the Palestinian bid could escalate confrontation between Israelis and Palestinians.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the statement reflects the voice of the international community that stable peace can be achieved only through direct negotiations. The United States opposes the Palestinian bid and vowed to exercise its veto at the Security Council.