The United States announced Tuesday that Mideast peace negotiators are committed to reaching a "final status agreement," as Palestinian and Israeli officials are scheduled to continue talks in Jerusalem tomorrow. "Both sides are on the negotiating table in good faith here because they believe in the importance of the peace process, they believe that the most important way to eventually settle these issues is through a negotiated final status agreement," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters. "We believe both parties are at the negotiating table talking to us [and] to each other in good faith," said Harf during the daily press briefing. "Peace is imperative for both of the peoples on the ground that we are talking about," Harf added. "We want details about these discussions to remain private because that ultimately gives them the best chance of succeeding, which is what is in the best interest of both the Israeli and the Palestinian people." Asked whether the announced settlement activity could disrupt talks, Harf said that the United States continues to have "serious concerns with the recent announcement," adding that "these things have actual consequences on the ground."
