Palestinians balk at Israeli efforts to resume peace talks

Nimr Hammad , Political adviser to the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has balked at Israel''s efforts, led by Shimon Peres to resume peace negotiations with the Palestinians. Hammad said the Israeli government has blocked the peace negotiations with the Palestinians and resisted moves towards peace by continued settlements policy. He recalled that three meetings between Abbas and Peres had stumbled over the Israeli policy. Radio Israel said on Monday Peres was seeking to resume peace negotiations to prevent a Palestinian bid at the UN to gain full recognition of the international organization.