Quds, September 13, SPA -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking on the eve of a key meeting with the White House Mideast envoy, said Sunday that differences remain with the U.S. over resuming peacemaking with the Palestinians, AP reported. Netanyahu delivered the assessment before flying to Cairo for talks with Egypt's president, a main mediator in efforts to restart peace talks. On Monday, he is scheduled to meet George Mitchell, President Barack Obama's envoy. The Obama administration, with Mitchell as the point man, has been pressing Israel to declare a halt to construction in its West Bank settlements. Palestinians claim the West Bank as part of their future state. Netanyahu, whose Likud Party is ideologically committed to expanding settlements and holding on to the West Bank, has been bargaining for a compromise that would allow some building to continue. Palestinians are insisting they will not resume peace talks until Israel completely stops its West Bank construction. Palestinians charge that settlements are a main obstacle to creating their own state. -- SPA
