Israel, Palestinian Summit Is in Doubt

[Classical_Liberal]

Israel, Palestinian Summit Is in Doubt


Tuesday November 25, 2003 3:16 PM

By MARK LAVIE

Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel must halt construction of a West Bank security barrier and show movement on other issues if it wants a summit between the Palestinian and Israeli leaders, Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia said.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Monday he would not accept preconditions for a summit, and the dispute threatened hopes for a decisive effort to end three years of violence and jump-start stalled peace talks.

Momentum had seemed to be building toward a renewal of talks on implementing the U.S.-backed ``road map'' peace plan. Last week, the main Palestinian militant groups agreed to a meeting in Egypt in early December to discuss a cease-fire with Israel. But the latest comments by the two premiers indicated it could take some time to resume talks.

In other developments, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat questioned Israel's commitment to the road map, and the spiritual leader of Hamas threatened to resume attacks on Israeli civilians.......

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-3429362,00.html