21.   On the one hand, the Israeli premier takes credit for preventing anti-Israeli attacks, giving nothing to the efforts of the Palestinian National Authority in reining in extremists.

22.   Protesters burned Israeli flags and shouted slogans denouncing Israeli premier Ariel Sharon.

23.   Still, the historic encounter constituted the first recognition of Arafat by an Israeli premier from the Likud Party which long opposed Israel-PLO peacemaking.

24.   Specter met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Wednesday before leaving for Damascus, reportedly carrying a message from the Israeli premier urging a renewal of the talks.

25.   Still, the encounter constituted the first recognition of Arafat by an Israeli premier from the Likud Party which long opposed Israel-PLO peacemaking.

26.   The historic encounter constituted the first recognition of Arafat by an Israeli premier from the hardline Likud Party which long opposed Israel-PLO peacemaking.

27.   The encounter constitutes the first recognition of Arafat by an Israeli premier from the Likud Party, which long opposed Israel-PLO peacemaking.

28.   The Israeli premier later took his case to the European Union.

29.   The historic encounter constitutes the first recognition of Arafat by an Israeli premier from the hardline Likud Party which long opposed Israel-PLO peacemaking.

30.   The Israeli premier also called President Bush late Thursday and was slated to speak with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell to discuss the tense situation, he said.