Palestine peace summit expected

WITH a Palestinian political crisis resolved, Palestinian and Israeli officials said yesterday they expected their leaders to meet for peace talks within the next 10 days.

Such a summit could help end months of deadlock over implementation of the US-backed 'road map' peace plan. Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qureia said yesterday he is ready for a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Ariel Sharon, but only if it yielded results.

He criticised Israel's continued travel restrictions in many Palestinian areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. "If Israel respects our people and our president and lifts the siege and closure, I think the road will be open for this government to be successful," Mr Qureia said after the first meeting of his Cabinet.