Middle East peace impasse frustrates Washington's actions towards Iraq

The Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot on Wednesday quoted the advisor of the US President for national security, Sandy Berger, as saying that the impasse in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians undermines the US in dealing with the current crisis with Iraq.

Berger told a delegation representing the Israeli opposition Labor Party led by the party's chief, Ehud Barak, that "The US cannot make an Arab ally against Iraq unless a progress is attained in the peace process."

He added, "Not achieving a genuine progress in the peace negotiations would constitute a very grave development to the whole region, which may damage the credibility of the US."

He warned Israel against the failure of negotiations with the Palestinians, noting that such a failure will force the US to declare its position in this respect.