Mideast peace talks

JERUSALEM, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. Envoy George Mitchell is looking for an "early launch" of talks between Israelis and Palestinians but an Israeli leader said peace in the region can't be expected soon.

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Israel Radio assumptions that agreements on the biggest issues between the Palestinians and Israelis can be reached in the next several years are made by those who "don't understand the situation and (are) spreading delusions."

Mitchell and other U.S. officials have been looking to accelerate the peace process in the Middle East. He met Thursday with Israeli President Shimon Peres and said a quick resumption of talks would be "an essential step" toward a "comprehensive peace." A U.S. official told The Jerusalem Post the United States was working with a sense of urgency.

Lieberman's radio appearance was separate from Mitchell's visit although the two were also to talk Thursday.

Rather than a comprehensive settlement, Lieberman said the two sides should make a series of interim agreements to stabilize the situation and address major issues in "a much later stage."