The American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, has said the stalemate in the Middle East peace process can't be allowed to go on much longer, but that talks to resolve it will continue as long as they're constructive.

She was responding to a question about a statement by the American ambassador to Israel, Edward Walker who said Washington would decide within days whether to press ahead with an initiative which Israel has so far rejected.

Mrs Albright said she wouldn't set a specific time limit, but it would be soon.

Israel has rejected an American proposal that it should withdraw from another thirteen per cent of the West Bank.

The Palestinians have accepted the plan.