Palestinian official and the Arab five-summit member

Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath said that Syria is not ready yet for a five-member Arab summit meeting, "Therefore works with Syria should take new forms of coordination on the level of the Foreign Ministry or on the level of bilateral relations to reach an Arab summit."

Shaath's statements were made in reply to a statement put by the Israeli radio, on whether a five-member Arab summit will be held despite Syria's rejection of such a summit.

SANA reported that Shaath said the Palestinian Authority is at present holding consultations and coordination and exchanging views in preparation for convening negotiations with Israel after the formation of the new Israeli government led by Ehud Barak.

On the existence of secret Palestinian- Israeli negotiations from the "One Israel" movement, chaired by Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak, Shaath denied such contacts, adding, "If contacts as such take place, it would be on the level of individuals rather than on formal levels," Israel Radio reported.