Quartet Tells Israel, Palestinians to Ready Peace Proposals

Quartet mediators failed to make any breakthroughs in bringing Israel and the Palestinians back to the negotiating table, but they said both sides would present "comprehensive proposals” on territory and security issues within three months. The Palestinians turned down a request for face-to-face talks with the Israelis, so negotiations were held separately with each side. Even if the Israelis and Palestinians present proposals by the deadline, it is unlikely to serve as a basis for renewed talks because the differences are so wide. The Palestinians are demanding that Israel freeze settlement construction and accept that the pre-1967 borders will serve as a basis for talks, conditions Israel rejects.