Senior Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will open talks on Monday (today) on the most sensitive issues, such as the future of Jerusalem as part of a US-led push for a peace deal this year, officials said.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said his chief negotiator, Ahmed Qurei, and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni would lead the discussions on vital issues, which they hope will lead to the formation of a Palestinian state.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Aryeh Mekel confirmed the talks would begin on Monday in Jerusalem.
Other core “final status” issues include borders and Palestinian refugees, reported Reuters.
MondayÂ’s talks will mark the first meeting between the two sides since US President George BushÂ’s landmark visit to the region last week.