www.fivedoves.com/letters/sep2000/markr913-1.htm -
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Published on: 9/13/2000
Last Visited: 2/14/2001
P.J. Crowley, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said U.S. envoy Dennis Ross would continue to have contacts with both sides over the next couple weeks on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.
We have no illusions here, Crowley told reporters.This is an extraordinarily difficult process.There are still very hard decisions that both parties have to make.We continue to review the situation and formulate ideas that we think can help bring the parties closer together..
He said Mr. Clinton remains fully committed to support the parties and is willing to do everything that he can to help them reach an agreement..
...
Crowley welcomed that delay, saying the United States had been urging both sides not to take unilateral steps that could upset the peace process.
It's consistent with the commitments that the two parties expressed to the president and others last week, that they remain committed to the peace process and to continue to work to see if they can't narrow the gaps, resolve the differences and reach an agreement, he said.
Meanwhile, Syria called for the convening of an urgent Arab summit and criticized Sunday's postponement of a declaration of Palestinian independence.
State-run Damascus radio, which reflects government policies, said the two-month-long postponement decided by the Palestinian leadership Sunday was part of endless Israeli demands for concessions from the Palestinians..
The Israeli blackmail of Palestinians is continuing on all levels, the radio said in a political commentary.