The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Ramallah

Palestinians say peace talks with Israel are set for Washington this month.

Palestinian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made, say chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qureia and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni will meet July 30 with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Arye Mekel said he did not know about plans for talks. The Palestinians also said their president, Mahmoud Abbas, and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will meet next week. Olmert's office was not available for comment.

Abbas and Olmert pledged last November to aim for a peace agreement by year's end.