Closer to peace talks

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration said yesterday it was near to securing an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians to resume direct peace talks. Some United States officials said an announcement could be imminent.The State Department said an agreement was “very, very close” but that details were still being worked out. An announcement could come as early as today or tomorrow, said administration officials familiar with the matter. They spoke on condition of anonymity due to the delicacy of the ongoing diplomacy.“We think we are very, very close to a decision by the parties to enter into direct negotiations,” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters. “We think we’re well positioned to get there.” (AP)