Israel, Palestinians agree to resume direct peace negotiations after talks with John Kerry
US secretary of state John Kerry says Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to resume direct peace talks for the first time in three years.
At a hurriedly arranged news conference in Jordan, he said initial talks should begin in Washington within a week or so.
"I am pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement that establishes a basis for resuming direct final-status negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis," Mr Kerry said.
"This is a significant and welcome step forward."
Mr Kerry had spent four days in the region conducting talks with both sides.
Twice in the past two days he delayed his flight home because of signs of a breakthrough in his diplomatic efforts, including a third round of talks with the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas.
The secretary of state says the talks will be between the chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat and his Israeli counterpart Tzipi Livni.
He says the initial talks will be in Washington next week, but gave no further details.
"The best way to give these negotiations a chance is to keep them private," he said.
"We know that the challenges require some very tough choices in the days ahead. Today, however, I am hopeful."
The last round of direct talks broke down more than two years ago over the issue of Israeli settlements.
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