Britain snubs Paris Mid East peace conference

The Foreign Office issued a statement Sunday of reservations about the Middle East peace conference hosted by Paris. "We have particular reservations about an international conference intended to advance peace between the parties that does not involve them – indeed which is taking place against the wishes of the Israelis – and which is taking place just days before the transition to a new American President when the US will be the ultimate guarantor of any agreement," the statement said.

"There are risks therefore that this conference hardens positions at a time when we need to be encouraging the conditions for peace."