And he restated America's backing for final-status talks on a Palestinian state (see article).

ECONOMIST: Foreign policy

He, on the other hand, is prepared to do so, but he wants some of it rolled into the final-status talks.

ECONOMIST: Barak��s clumsy start

Nor, given the position of successive Israeli governments, can Mr Arafat promise anything from the final-status talks, except, perhaps, a vow not to renounce the right of return.

ECONOMIST: Palestinian refugees

The Lebanese may believe that it is better to have Fatah in control of the camps than no one at all, especially during the volatile period of the final-status talks.

ECONOMIST: Palestinian refugees

Talks on the final status of Kosovo are due to begin in 2005, if the province's 1.8m ethnic Albanians and 100, 000 Serbs can show progress towards internationally required standards of governance.

ECONOMIST: Kosovo's prime minister: Young and wanted | The

Those are -- many of these are final status issues that can only be worked out through direct talks.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

While UN recognition would have largely symbolic value, the Palestinians argue that it would strengthen their hands in peace talks with Israel, especially on the final status issues that divide them.

BBC: Israel offers talks with Palestinians over UN bid

Clinton and Hastert's telephone conversation took place as Israeli and Palestinian negotiators engaged in another day of long and difficult talks aimed at forging a lasting peace and permanent division of territory, with their arduous talks at Camp David reportedly stalled over the issue of the final status of the city of Jerusalem.

CNN: Hastert wants Clinton to consult Congress on price of Middle East peace

We think that coming to the table, coming back to the table, developing the type of confidence and trust that both sides need in these proximity talks, is important to building a process to getting to those final status issues.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing