国际英语新闻：Reactions vary as Mideast peace talks resume

BEIJING, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- There has been mixed views on what may flow from the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in Washington this week.

The meetings between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are being closely watched around the world.

U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell described the first round of talks as "productive," saying "our goal is to resolve all of the... core issues within one year."

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday welcomed the resumption of direct peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis.

"I am very encouraged and happy about these direct talks for the Middle East peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority taking place today," Ban told reporters after meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger in Vienna.

But he said the Mideast peace process wasn't smooth and warned "we have to battle" against groups trying to stymie the process.

Ban also expressed his support for Abbas, saying his leadership was recognized by the international community.

Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said Friday he was neither optimistic nor pessimistic about the talks, but he doubted whether Israel was indeed ready to bring real peace to the region.