U.S. urges caution for Israel-Palestinian talks

WASHINGTON May 9 (Reuters) - The United States warned on Sunday that if either side in Palestinian-Israel talks engages in activities that undermine the peace effort they will be held accountable for it.

Assistant Secretary of State Philip Crowley said in a statement that U.S. special envoy George Mitchell will return to the Middle East next week to try to foster the indirect peace talks and urged both sides to keep up the effort.

"As both parties know, if either takes significant actions during the proximity talks that we judge would seriously undermine trust, we will respond to hold them accountable and ensure that negotiations continue," Crowley said.

(Reporting by Arshad Mohammed, writing by Glenn Somerville, editing by Bill Trott)