W. Asia talks to move from Stockholm?

JERUSALEM, MAY 30. Israeli- Palestinian peace talks will be moved from their current location in Stockholm to West Asia, Israel radio reported today, quoting ''government officials in Jerusalem''.

The suggestion to move the talks to a new location came from the Palestinian President, Mr. Yasser Arafat, the report added. A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Mr. Ehud Barak, could not confirm the report.

The talks in Stockholm were held in secret until their existence was revealed two weeks ago. Since then, they have become the main channel of negotiations.

In contrast to optimistic statements voiced recently, at least by the Israelis, both sides are now saying the talks have reached an impasse.

Mr. Arafat told the Israeli Minister of the Environment, Dalia Itzik, during a meeting Monday that ''the peace process has stopped completely''.

- DPA

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Section  : International
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