G8 calls on Israel to freeze settlement building, resume negotiations

The Group of Eight powers called on all parties in the Middle East to "re-enter direct negotiations on all standing issues consistent with the Road Map" and it called for a freeze in Jewish settlement construction on the occupied West Bank.

The G8 also deplored violence in Iran after its disputed election on Friday and urged Tehran to settle the crisis soon through democratic dialogue, according to the final draft statement seen by Reuters. (Reuters)