Bethlehem talks break down

Talks aimed at ending a five-week standoff at Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity broke down today, negotiators from both sides said.

The Palestinians had called on the European Union to send monitors to stay in the church with the 13 militants on Israel’s ‘‘Most Wanted’’ list.

The militants were to remain in the ancient basilica until a country could be found which would accept them as deportees.

Earlier in the day, both sides had said a deal was in place to allow dozens of Palestinians to emerge from the church, leaving behind the 13 men.

Among those leaving the shrine were to be 26 Palestinians also wanted by Israel, who would be transported to the Gaza Strip.

Early today, three buses arrived in Manger Square, outside the church, but they remained empty.