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Barak says Palestinians not yet flexible enough

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	Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak arrives at his Jerusalem office for a weekly Cabinet meeting Sunday, August 20, 2000. In a sign that early elections could be around the corner, Barak on Sunday unveiled proposed legislation meant to ensure the secular rights of Israelis. On right is Israeli Culture Sport and Science minister Matan Vilnai. (AP PHOTO/ZOOM 77)ISRAEL OUT COMMERCIAL ONLINE OUT

August 21, 2000 

JERUSALEM (AP) - Prime Minister Ehud Barak said Sunday that the Palestinians have not yet exhibited enough flexibility to conclude a final peace agreement. Egypt and Jordan, meanwhile, intensified efforts to help bring about a treaty.

U.S. envoy Dennis Ross was in the region in an effort to prod the sides along, following the collapse of the Camp David summit last month largely over competing claims to Jerusalem. But both Palestinian and Israeli reports have said Ross has not brought any new proposals with him.

"We are in a waiting period since we have yet to hear from them (the Palestinians) about an openness and willingness to discuss the ideas that were raised at Camp David," Barak told his Cabinet, according to a statement released afterward.

Barak also said that when world leaders gather at the United Nations next month, it will offer a chance to to "reap the fruit of the diplomatic efforts" made in recent weeks.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat accused Barak of "fingerpointing."

"The Israeli side knows very well our commitment and our willingness to engage with them," Erekat said.

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, meanwhile, was continuing his vigorous diplomatic efforts. In Ramallah, he met the European Union envoy to the Middle East, Miguel Moratinos, who emphasized support for a Palestinian state although he did not say what the EU would do if Arafat declared a state unilaterally on Sept. 13.

Arafat and other Palestinian officials have been backing away from the Sept. 13 date after Arafat received little outside support for a unilateral declaration.

On Monday, Arafat was slated to meet Ross and also Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Alexandria. And Jordan's King Abdullah was scheduled to meet Arafat Tuesday in Ramallah, then stop in Tel Aviv to meet with Barak, whom he also met last week.

Acting Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami was also scheduled to travel to Egypt, for meetings Thursday. Egyptian Foreign Ministry officials said Sunday they are developing a plan on Jerusalem with the Palestinians that will be submitted to the United States and Israel. They spoke on condition of anonymity and would not reveal any details.