US: No change on refugees

The US State Department said yesterday that the US has not changed its position on the issue of Palestinian refugees. Deputy spokesman James Foley said yesterday that the US believes, "Resolution of this aspect of the peace process will depend on the shape of the final agreement," adding that the issue of refugees is among the topics specified for final status negotiations.

At a joint press conference with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak this week, US President Bill Clinton said, "I would like it if the Palestinian people felt free and were free to live wherever they liked, wherever they want to live." However, Clinton also indicated that issue would "be decided by the Palestinians and the Israelis themselves" in final status negotiations.