Peace talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians have resumed in Washington.

 

　　The talks are underway following a dinner hosted at the State Department building by US Secretary of State John Kerry.

 

　　The dinner has been attended by Israeli chief negotiator Tzipi Livni and her Palestinian counterpart Saeb Erekat.

 

　　Livni admits the talks will be very tough.

 

　　"To be optimistic is something that we cannot afford. But there is some hope. And I hope that when in Israel they see the first meeting they will understand that we should not give up hope, and it is reachable and we need to do it, because it is in the Israeli interest. "

 

　　During the 2-days of the initial talks, the two sides are expected to set the formula for formal final status negotiations, which could last for some 9 months.

 

　　This is first direct talks between the two sides in years, after talks broke down over Jewish settlement construction.