Kerry cites progress in peace talks

Associated Press

RAMALLAH, West Bank

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday cited progress on the Mideast peace process, yet acknowledged that some of the most intractable disputes between Israelis and Palestinians were unsolved after more than 20 rounds of negotiations.

“This is hard work,” he told reporters after a 21/2-hour meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, their second in two days.

Afterward, Kerry resumed his shuttle diplomacy by heading back to Jerusalem for his third meeting in three days with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two had a nearly five-hour discussion that didn’t end until 11:30 p.m.

“We’re not there yet, but we are making progress,” Kerry said earlier outside Abbas’ West Bank headquarters. “We are beginning to flesh out the toughest hurdles yet to be overcome.”

Kerry is trying to nudge Abbas and Netanyahu closer to a peace pact that would establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

The talks have entered an intense phase aimed at getting the two sides to agree on a framework and provide guidance toward a final settlement. Reaching a deal on that framework is not expected on this trip, Kerry’s 10th to the region for peace talks.

He cited difficult complications and enduring mistrust that have built up over the years.