Israeli, Palestinian negotiators discussed Mideast talks

A senior Palestinian minister, Nabil Shaath, has denied that formal peace talks with Israel have resumed.

In an interview with the BBC, Mr Shaath said that the Palestinian and Israeli negotiators had met last night only to decide when and where the talks should be held.

Earlier, Israel said talks had begun at a secret location.

Unofficial peace negotiations broke off in Stockholm nearly two weeks ago following violent clashes between the Palestinians and Israeli forces in the West Bank.

Yesterday, President Clinton said that he was sending his Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, to the Middle East next week, in an effort to narrow the differences in peace talks. The talks are expected to focus on Palestinian demands for the transfer of land captured by the Israelis in the 1967 war and the release of detainees.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service