Qureia reveals negotiations details: The chief Palestinian negotiator says Israel has asked to annex 6.8% of the West Bank in a peace deal with the Palestinians.
Negotiator Ahmed Qureia also says Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert proposed in peace talks that Israel take in 5,000 Palestinian refugees over five years. Qureia says neither offer was acceptable to the Palestinians.
Qureia says Israel never revealed its position on the most contentious issue - Jerusalem.
He spoke to Palestinian reporters. His comments marked the first time he spoke in such detail about the year-long talks. The comments appeared aimed at providing a public record of the Israeli position ahead of leadership changes in Israel and the United States.
Speaking earlier Friday, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that 2009 "is a year which I hope will bear fruit in the Middle East." Progress toward Middle East peace is being made "somewhat below the radar" by Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, he said. "They are setting the stage for peace."
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