Palestinian officials said yesterday there is a chance for a cease-fire when US Secretary of State Colin Powell comes to the region, provided Powell meets Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat and agrees that the cease-fire will be based on UN Resolution 1402. That resolution calls for an Israeli withdrawal from the PA and the implementation of the Tenet cease-fire plan and the Mitchell Report, and then a renewal of final status talks.
No doubt Mr Powell will consider their suggestion, if he can find the time to meet with Yasser. |