Israel replies to Egypt on halting autonomy talks

Israel framed what was described as a "polite but firm" reply Tuesday to Egyptian President Sadat's letter following his decision to suspend talks on Palestinian autonomy, which came a few days after Israel's parliament enacted a law last week declaring Arab East Jerusalem part of the Jewish state's capital.

Interior Minister Yosef Burg, leader of the Israeli autonomy team, told reporters that the reply "was couched in moderate terms and explained Israel's stand on all the autonomy issues as well as the position on Jerusalem."