Israeli premier signals new peace talks

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon has claimed he is ready to begin peace talks with his Palestinian counterpart, Ahmed Qureia.

The announcement by Mr Sharon, who froze top-level contacts with the Palestinians when former prime minister Mahmoud Abbas quit last month, raises hopes that the two sides could negotiate a fresh ceasefire after months of bloodshed.

Speaking in Tel Aviv, Mr Sharon said: "We are on the verge of a new opportunity to bring about quiet and peace. The reason we don't have prime ministerial-level contacts stems from the fact that Palestinians have requested time to allow the designated prime minister to establish himself. We are ready to enter into negotiations at any time."