Egypt voices support for peace talks

Cairo: Egypt's presidential spokesman says his country endorses a US proposal to host key international players to follow up on Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Spokesman Sulaiman Awad says US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has asked Egypt to invite Israeli and Palestinian leaders and members of the Quartet of Mideast mediators to meet before US President George W. Bush's term ends in January.

Bush has expressed hope for a peace deal before the end of the year, many countries have voiced scepticism at the possibility.