Kerry Refers to Palestinian 'Country'

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry appeared to have flubbed his lines on Thursday when he referred to the Palestinian territories as a country.

Speaking at the United Nations ahead of talks with U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon, Kerry praised the "courageous decision" by Israeli and Palestinian leaders to try to resume direct negotiations.

"It's my hope that that will be able to happen as procedures are put in place by both countries in order to empower that," Kerry told reporters.

The final status of the Palestinian territories has yet to be determined, although the U.S. goal is two states -- one Israeli and one Palestinian -- living side by side.

State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf assured reporters later that U.S. policy had not changed.

"Our position has not changed not on the status of the Palestinian territory. The secretary was in no way indicating a change of policy," she said.

Later asked about his comment, Kerry replied: "Did I say that?"

Last week, Kerry appeared to have achieved a breakthrough deal to get the two sides to return to the negotiating table after a three-year break.

No date has yet been set, although an Israeli minister said that the talks would begin on Tuesday in Washington.