The litmus test, say experts, will be how quickly the two sides move ahead with confidence-building measures that can pave the way to a viable solution.
"The goal here is to augment the political dialogue with confidence-building measures," the official said, adding that the cabinet was expected to approve the release.
High-level delegations from Israel and the Palestinian factions would then hold separate talks in Cairo within 48 hours to consolidate the ceasefire with "confidence-building measures", according to the proposal.
In particular, the proposal by Iran's foreign minister, Muhammad Javad Zarif, to draw up a "road map", which would start with confidence-building measures and conclude with an overarching deal, was stronger on detail than had been expected (see article).
The two countries have made progress with confidence-building measures and have successfully maintained a cease-fire along the Line-of-Control in Kashmir, but the process had stalled on conflict resolution.
Israel is being pressed by the US to respond with confidence-building measures, including an end to military incursions, dismantling of checkpoints and release of prisoners, if indirect talks take place.
A senior Western official said today that "the zone must be fixed" but that to renegotiate or narrow it would take time and had to be coupled with "confidence-building measures" for the Albanians who live there, including aid programs and efforts to recruit them for the local police.
Under the ceasefire proposal announced by Egypt's Foreign Ministry, high-level delegations from Israel and the Palestinian factions would hold separate talks in Cairo within 48 hours to consolidate the ceasefire with "confidence-building measures".
Under the proposal announced by Egypt's Foreign Ministry, high-level delegations from Israel and the Palestinian factions would hold separate talks in Cairo within 48 hours to consolidate the cease-fire with "confidence-building measures".
Clinton and the Obama administration began to move forward with the confidence building measures that Holbrooke had negotiated.
