Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly has agreed in principle to hold indirect peace negotiations with Israel brokered by the United States.
An unnamed senior Palestinian official told reporters that the talks are expected to begin Feb. 20 and last for three months.
The official told AFP that the talks will be brokered by U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell.
Abbas is not expected officially to agree to the talks until he consults with Arab leaders and Mitchell.
Meanwhile, Abbas announced plans to hold municipal elections July 17 — the first Palestinian vote since Hamas took control of Gaza in June 2007. — jta