It is now 00:30 universal time and here is the news in Special English from the Voice of American. I'm Robert Cohen in Washington.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government wants an agreement with the Palestinians that will protect Israel's security and other interests. Mr. Netanyahu spoke Wednesday after a meeting with America's Middle East diplomat George Mitchell. The Israeli leader did not talk about the issue of halting the building of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. Palestinians say settlement building could be a main issue in a decision on whether they will remain in the talks with Israel. On Thursday, Mr. Mitchell will meet separately with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
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