Mediator quits Israel talks

The effort to revive Middle-east peace was cast into confusion as the US mediator Dennis Ross announced he was returning to Washington and Israelis and Palestinians blamed each other for the impasse after two weeks of talks.

Mr Ross said there had been progress, but not enough. Israeli officials said only minute details remained unresolved and accused the Palestinians of playing for time. The Palestinians blamed Israel for reneging on existing agreements. AP - Jerusalem