Palestinians seek Arab backing for Israel talks

[May 01, 2010]  CAIRO (AP) -- The Palestinians are seeking the Arab League's backing Saturday to resume peace talks with Israel through a U.S. mediator.

A first attempt to get indirect talks going collapsed last month when Israel announced a new Jewish housing project in east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians claim as a future capital. That drew fierce criticism from the United States and led to the worst rift in decades between Washington and its chief Mideast ally.

Foreign ministers from several top Arab League member nations will meet in Cairo Saturday to decide whether to endorse the indirect talks.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signaled earlier in the week that he would be willing to resume negotiations.

[Associated Press]

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