WORLD IN BRIEF : MIDEAST : Palestinian Says Talks Depend on Progress

Palestinian spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi said in Washington that no one should assume the Palestinians will continue to attend Middle East peace talks regardless of the lack of progress. Three weeks of talks ended Thursday without agreement on the principles of Palestinian self-rule or even a firm date to resume. Asked if the peace process is losing momentum, Ashrawi called the situation “extremely critical” and said the Palestinian side could not be taken for granted. Ashrawi said she expects Arab foreign ministers to meet in Amman, Jordan, to review the talks.