41.   In a speech to the party meeting, Sharon again criticized the Palestinian leadership.

42.   In an unusual display of self-criticism, Arafat accepted blame for mistakes by the Palestinian leadership in the past and pledged to rectify them.

43.   In a Cabinet meeting Friday night, the Palestinian leadership said there is no room for compromise on Muslim and Christian holy sites.

44.   In appealing for a rapid infusion of foreign aid, the Palestinian leadership touched on a raw nerve for many here.

45.   In Gaza City, the Palestinian leadership, including the cabinet and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization executive committee, gave Arafat an endorsement of the agreement.

46.   In recent days the Palestinian leadership has stepped up its crackdown on Palestinians who are accused of helping Israel pinpoint and assassinate Palestinian government officials and top activists.

47.   Instead, the final talks have barely begun and, bowing to international pressure, Arafat and the Palestinian leadership have recommitted themselves to the peace effort.

48.   Instead, vast sums have been corruptly misused by the Palestinian leadership for their own well-being.

49.   Israel is also committed to begin talks next year with the newly elected Palestinian leadership.

50.   Israeli officials suggested that the Palestinian leadership fomented the trouble to threaten the Israelis into making concessions.