Kerry cites some progress in Mideast diplomacy

Associated Press

RAMALLAH, West Bank — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is citing some progress as a result of his Mideast shuttle diplomacy.

He says “we are not there yet, but we are making progress” toward a framework for a peace deal.

Kerry was in the West Bank on Saturday for a second day of talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Kerry tells reporters that “we are working with great intensity and serious purpose with a commitment to resolve this conflict.”

Next up is a meeting later Saturday in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Kerry is trying to nudge the leaders closer to a peace pact that would establish a Palestinian state and set a framework to guide talks for a final settlement in the decades-long dispute.