The future of Jerusalem, a Holy City to both the Israelis and the Arabs, is expected to be a crucial issue when the Geneva Peace talks resume, possibly in February.

The Israeli Government, which annexed the eastern sector of the city after the 1967 Six Day War, has said the city is not negotiable while the Arabs have said there will be no peace settlement in the Middle East unless Israel renounces its claim.

Although Israel nominated Jerusalem as its national capital in 1948, only a handful of nations have recognised the claim. Most have kept their embassies in Tel Aviv.

Last Sunday, (27 January), following an Israeli cabinet meeting which discussed the city's future the Mayor, Mr. Teddy Kollek, re-stated Israel's claim and stressed the need for the city to remain united.

However he acknowledged the necessity to accommodate the divergent political interests in the city.

Commenting on possible negotiating positions Mr. Kollek said opposed the "internationalisation" of the city, saying it would destroy Jerusalem's unity. He pointed out that it was also opposed by the Arab nations.

Mr. Kollek added he was certain an agreement over the Holy Places could be hammered out with the Arabs.