Settlement concerns as Mid-East peace talks resume

Cairo, 14 Sept-(ANA)-Renewed Israeli-Palestinian peace talks are opening in Egypt, amid concern over the imminent expiry of Israel's partial ban on West Bank settlement building.

Benjamin Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas will each meet Hillary Clinton in Sharm el-Sheikh before a three-way meeting.

Before the talks began the US secretary of state said Israel should extend its freeze on West Bank construction, which expires on 26 September.

Palestinians say they will walk out if building on occupied territory resumes.

In remarks on Sunday Mr Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, said that some of the thousands of new homes planned for the West Bank might not be built, but hinted that the ban on all construction might not be renewed. (ANA)

FA/ANA/14 September 2010----------