Israel rebuffs call for talks on core issues
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Israel ruled out on Tuesday negotiations “at this stage” over the boundaries of a future Palestinian state, rebuffing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and casting doubt on a renewed US push to address the issue.
Israel’s response came one day after US President George W. Bush said “serious negotiations toward the creation of a Palestinian state” can begin soon. Bush said these negotiations should lead to a deal on Palestinian borders, suggesting other final-status issues like Jerusalem and refugees wait for later. (Reuters)
