U.S. to announce its position on the peace deadlock

"Palestinians are still waiting for the US to announce its position on state of the deadlocked peace process," Palestinian Planning Minister Nabil Shaath said ending his four day visit to Jordan.

"We have to give our American friends a chance to conclude whether they are able to get the Israelis to move out of their procrastination, their obstinacy and implement the peace accord or else tell us that it failed." Shaath told reporters that "an American failure in that regard, as our major sponsor in the peace process would signal fear of confrontations and serious problems. We hope it can be avoided" Minister of Planning said.

Shaath and Jordan's Foreign Minister Jawad Anani yesterday signed the minutes of meetings held between the two sides during the Palestinian delegations visit to Jordan.

Both sides agreed to continue political and economical cooperation and coordination and reiterated their commitment to the Middle East peace process.

Jordan's Foreign Minister said that Israeli strangulation of the Palestinian economy could not be allowed to continue. "We have to take an economic position which is for with is our long standing view." Anan said, whether under successful peaceful negotiations or whether the peace process stagnates, he added. " We still have the duty of enhancing the economic and welfare of th

e Palestinians" he reiterated.