Israel wants 6.8 pc of West Bank: Report

Jerusalem, Dec 13: Reports suggest that the chief Palestinian negotiator has said that Israel has asked to annex 6.8 per cent of the West Bank in a peace deal with the Palestinians. Ahmed Qureia, the negotiator said that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert proposed in peace talks that Israel take in 5,000 Palestinian refugees over five years.

Qureia said neither offer was acceptable to the Palestinians. He added that Israel never revealed its position on the most contentious issue -- Jerusalem. He was speaking to the Palestinian reporters. Sources say that the comments appeared aimed at providing a public record of the Israeli position ahead of leadership changes in Israel and the United States.