World powers push for resumed Mideast negotiations

THE US and European powers were pressuring for resumed Mideast negotiations yesterday as part of an intensive international effort to curb a Palestinian statehood bid at the United Nations, expected today.

But there was no indication either side was prepared to narrow the gaps that have prevented talks from going forward.

An Israeli official, said there was no talk about a settlement construction freeze. And there was no indication the Palestinians would drop their demand that Israel stop building on lands they want for a future state or base talks on lines Israel held before capturing those lands.