Draft talks invite sees Mideast deal in one year

World powers facing a fateful deadline in the Middle East peace process are discussing a draft statement inviting Israel and the Palestinians to embark on direct talks that should conclude a treaty in one year.

Diplomatic sources said the draft invitation was being discussed by the so-called Quartet of powers in Middle East peace-making and may be issued by Friday afternoon. The draft, however, does not explicitly repeat the demand for a halt to Israeli settlement building in the West Bank. (Reuters)