French-led peace talks on the Middle East were set for June 3 after a scheduling conflict scuttled the initially intended date of May 30, the French Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

    The ministerial-level talks are to include representatives of the so-called Quartet, which includes the US, Russia, the United Nations and European Union, as well as representatives from Arab and European nations, dpa reported .

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said it would, "be an opportunity to re-affirm the mobilization of the international community in favour of a two-state solution, and to identify ways to help Israelis and Palestinians return to the path of peace." The initiative is to convene important partners, but exclude Israeli and Palestinian authorities. The French hope that beginning with non-direct talks could help ease the way for an agreement later.

    But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country is opposed to an international conference, insisting on direct negotiations. The Palestinians have welcomed the French effort.

Source: QNA