Washington against buffer zones in Palestinian territories

In the face of escalating Palestinian- Israeli confrontation and the establishment by Israel of buffer zones around Palestinian territories, the US administration has expressed its objection to the Israeli plan for the establishment of buffer security zones outside the green light.

It said these unilateral measures would further increase deterioration.

A US State Department spokesman said it has called for refraining from taking unilateral measures.

The recommendations of the Mitchell committee are much important than the establishment of buffer zones.

He said the establishment of these zones would raise much problems for nearly 200,000 Palestinians living in east Jerusalem.

Meantime, Bush presides over a national Security Council meeting during which he discussed US role in the Middle East conflict in the upcoming stage.

US sources said Bush discussed with his senior aides the US role in resuming peace process on the basis of Madrid terms of reference and international legitimacy resolutions.

On the other hand, Condoleezza Rice, the US National Security advisor said President Bush has not yet decided on holding a meeting with Arafat on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings.

Rice said the US administration has got assurances from the PNA that it will work to cut down violence, adding we are waiting for what would be done by the PNA for halting violence.

On his part, Nabil Shaath, Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation has uncovered endeavors for holding a tripartite meeting in Washington among Arafat, Bush and Sharon, saying no specific decision has been taken.

Meantime, mystery still shrouds the planned meeting between Peres and Arafat.

An official at Sharon's office said the convening of such a meeting needs a miracle.

An Israeli official has uncovered rejection by the Israeli government of an offer by Palestinians for holding a meeting between Arafat and Peres in Taba.

They said Arafat had made this offer immediately after the guerrilla operations that were reported on Sunday.

On his part, Javier Solana, EU foreign policy chief, has expressed his confidence that Israeli Palestinian meetings would be held in the upcoming few days.

He said he would have additional details in the coming few days.