EU diplomat: Israel and Palestinians to hold direct talks Sept. 2 in Washington

BRUSSELS – BRUSSELS (AP) — A senior European diplomat says Israel and the Palestinians are expected to agree to hold direct talks beginning Sept. 2 in Washington.

The diplomat said on condition of anonymity Friday that the United States, the European Union, Russia and the U.N. are to issue a joint invitation for a return to peace talks later in the day.

The talks will begin in Washington and address "final status" issues — borders, Jerusalem, and Palestinian refugees.