Netanyahu accepts Quartet's call for talks

JERUSALEM, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Sunday he accepts a proposal from the Quartet on the Middle East to resume peace talks with Palestinian leaders.

On Sept. 23 the Quartet -- the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Russia -- urged the two sides to come to an agreement over territories by the end of 2012.

A statement released by the Prime Minister's Office said despite some "reservations," Israel welcomes negotiations and encourages Palestinian leaders to do the same.

"Immediately after the Quartet's announcement, the prime minister declared that Israel accepts the concept primarily because it concerns direct talks with the Palestinians, which has been the prime minister's aim since his election," Netanyahu spokesman Roni Sofer told Ynetnews.com.