51.   Maybe Israel can still strike a mini-deal or a cease-fire with Arafat, but not a final peace.

52.   Monday is the day on which Netanyahu and Arafat agreed two months ago to start negotiations on a final peace settlement, but no such talks are scheduled.

53.   Negotiators have not tried drafting a framework agreement for a final peace settlement, a process that optimists on both sides had thought might start Tuesday.

54.   Netanyahu has not yet committed himself to the new American approach, and wants to move more quickly to talks on a final peace settlement.

55.   Netanyahu is trying to hold back concessions for the final peace talks, the goal to which stalled interim agreement is supposed to be the bridge.

56.   Now the two sides seem to be retrenching, as the time grows short for a final peace agreement coming together before two looming deadlines.

57.   Now, keep in mind, this is not a final peace agreement.

58.   Obviously, a final peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians would be best.

59.   Now is the time for the Palestinians and Israelis to concentrate on reaching an acceptable compromise on Jerusalem and sealing a final peace.

60.   Now Pastrana still has nearly seven months to negotiate a cease-fire agreement, which many consider essential before a final overall peace accord is signed.