Across Asia: Israel

No peace deal likely soon

Israel's foreign minister declared yesterday that there is no chance of reaching a final accord with the Palestinians any time soon, casting a pall over the US Mideast envoy's latest effort to get peace talks moving again.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman suggested that the two sides come up with a long-term interim arrangement that would ensure prosperity, security and stability. He recommended leaving the toughest issues - such as the status of disputed Jerusalem and a solution for Palestinian refugees who lost homes amid war - "to a much later stage."