Clinton: Time is ripe for Mideast peace

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said today that the “time is ripe” for Middle East peace, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas prepared for a second round of talks.

The most immediate dispute between the two sides surrounds a soon-to-expire curb on new construction for Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The Palestinians want the curb extended beyond the current September 26 deadline, but Mr Netanyahu has suggested that at least some of the restraints will be lifted.