RAMALLAH, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Senior Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will open talks on Monday on the most sensitive issues such as the future of Jerusalem as part of a U.S.-led push for a peace deal this year, officials said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said his chief negotiator, Ahmed Qurei, and Israeli Foreign Mininster Tzipi Livni would lead the discussions on vital issues which they hope will lead to the formation of a Palestinian state.

Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Aryeh Mekel confirmed the talks would begin on Monday in Jerusalem.

Other core "final status" issues include borders and Palestinian refugees. (Reporting by Wafa Amr; Writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Caroline Drees)

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