US: Israel, Palestinians agree to indirect talks

The United States says Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to indirect peace talks brokered by special US Mideast envoy George Mitchell.

In a statement, Mitchell said he was pleased that the two sides had accepted the proposal for proximity talks that will see him shuttle between Israel and the Palestinian territories over the next several weeks. Mitchell, who is in the region now, said he would return next week to continue discussions. He said he hoped the talks would lead to direct negotiations. (AP)