In brief: Agreement keeps peace talks alive

Jerusalem – Washington’s special Mideast envoy, former Sen. George Mitchell, sped to Jerusalem on Tuesday in an attempt to keep the U.S.-led Israeli-Palestinian talks from collapsing weeks after they began.

Israeli and Palestinian leaders recommitted themselves to the peace process even as they traded statements over the most recent crisis Tuesday. The two sides already have agreed to meet at a summit in Paris next month.

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said that the crisis was caused by Israel’s renewed construction of Jewish West Bank settlements – communities built on land the Palestinians say is earmarked for their future state.

Despite a strong Palestinian condemnation, U.S. officials convinced Palestinians to allow time to reach a compromise.

Iceland leader likely to be tried

Reykjavik, Iceland – Iceland’s former Prime Minister Geir Haarde has been referred to a special court in a move that could make him the first world leader to be charged in connection with the global financial crisis.

After a heated debate Tuesday, lawmakers voted 33-30 to refer charges to the court against Haarde for failing to prevent Iceland’s 2008 financial crash – a crisis that sparked protests, toppled the government and brought the economy to a standstill by collapsing its currency.