Barak calls on Albright to postpone visit to the region

The Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post said yesterday that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has agreed to postpone her visit to the region at the request of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, due to current problems with the Palestinians.

The newspaper said that there are predictions saying Albright said whe would agree upon postponement if Barak approves on hastening the implementation of redeployment promised under the Wye River accord.

Meanwhile, Barak's office refused either to confirm or deny that Barak has spoken with Albright or decided to hasten the implementation of thw Wye River accord.

Meanwhile, the US ambassador in Tel Aviv confirmed that Albright still intends to visit the region during the current month, but she has not specified visit's date yet.