Moratinos confers with Palestinians

The chairman of the Palestinian delegation to the final status talks with Israel has stated that the Palestinian and Israeli sides have not yet found a mechanism to start discussion on substantial issues pending in these negotiations.

In a statement to Israeli Radio on Tuesday Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said that reaching an agreement between the two sides needs a political decision by Israel.

Meanwhile, the European Union's Middle East peace process envoy, Miguel Moratinos, said during his meeting with the chairman of the Palestinian government negotiation team, Yasser Abed Rabbo, during their meeting in Lidd on Tuesday that it is not clear when a framework agreement will be reached between the Palestinian government and Israel. He expressed his hope that such an agreement will be reached as soon as possible.