Leaks make Mideast situation 'more difficult': US

US says release made the situation difficult than it already is, although a framework peace deal is still possible.

WASHINGTON: The United States acknowledged Monday that the release of secret Palestinian files on US-brokered regional peace talks makes the Middle East situation "more difficult," but said a framework peace deal remained possible.

"None of this changes our understanding of what is at stake and what needs to be done," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said.

He was referring to the release of documents by Al-Jazeera news channel which show Palestinians offered Israel major concessions on the thorny issues of annexed east Jerusalem and refugees in 2008 peace talks.

"We don't deny that this release will, at least for a time, make the situation more difficult than it already was, but again, we are clear-eyed about this, we always recognized that this would be a great challenge but it doesn't change our overall objective."