21.   The French argue that such a gesture could encourage Iraq to come clean on its chemical and biological weapons programs, paving the way for an end to sanctions.

22.   In Taiwan such a gesture is considered derogatory.

23.   It is the first such gesture towards Syria by the new rightwing government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

24.   The practicalities of such a gesture will be at the heart of a further round of discussions next week.