The French-led peace talks on the Middle East which had been expected by the end of the month, would be delayed to accommodate the schedule of U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry.
French President, Francois Hollande, said on Tuesday in Paris that the talks, originally scheduled for May 30, would take place sometime during the European summer.
He said the initiative was an effort to reinvigorate progress toward peace in the Middle East.
“As planned, it would initially convene with important partners, but exclude Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
“The French hope that beginning with non-direct talks could help ease the way for an agreement later,’’ he said.
He said the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, was in Jerusalem over the weekend to speak with Netanyahu, while, Prime Minister Manuel Valls is scheduled to visit Israel and Palestinian territory on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country was opposed to international conference, insisting on direct negotiations.
But the Palestinians have welcomed the French effort. (dpa/NAN)