Strategic talks stepped up

The United States reportedly has doubled the frequency of its strategic consultations with Israel.Israel Radio reported Monday that the special talks between Jerusalem and Washington about Middle East security, formerly held twice a year, have been stepped up to four times annually at the Bush administration’s request.Israel’s representative to the discussions, Cabinet Minister Shaul Mofaz, is to set off shortly for the United States for a new round that is expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program.