Mediator optimistic after Mideast peace talks

An Egyptian mediator working to secure a Mideast truce said today he received “positive” signals from Israel and called on Palestinian militant groups to come to take advantage of the new atmosphere.

Omar Suleiman met Israeli officials as well as Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia and veteran leader Yasser Arafat as part of an international effort to reinvigorate the stalled “road map” peace plan. A ceasefire is seen as an essential first step.