Basyouni: There is a chance for a Palestinian - Israeli agreement

Mohammed Basyouni, Egypt's ambassador in Israel, said there is still a chance for the Palestinians and Israelis to reach an agreement or memorandum of understanding on the mechanism of implementing Wye accord.

Basyouni said in Gaza that the dispute between the two sides currently focuses on only one point -- number of prisoners in the second group to be released -- and that the Palestinians want the release 200 captives, while the Israeli side approves of only 150.

He added that contacts are continuing in an effort to find solution and sign the agreement.

The ambassador, moreover, confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has no intention to travel to Alexandria before reaching an agreement between the two sides.