Special report: Palestine-Israel Relations

    RAMALLAH, May 11 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian top negotiator on Sunday said he fears a criminal investigation of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will harm the chance of a deal this year on Palestinian statehood.

    "The investigation may affect the negotiation process between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides," the Palestinian radio quoting Ahmed Qurei as saying.

    Saeb Erekat, a negotiator, also said that if Israel went for early elections, this will mean the end of the negotiations.

    Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) resumed their peace talks in November at a U.S.-hosted conference.

    Erekat explained the PA aspires "a comprehensive peace deal" involving the complicated final-status issues such as Jerusalem, borders, settlements, refugees and prisoners.

    Olmert said he will resign if officially charged with receiving bribery from an American businessman.