He also criticised Palestinians for mooting unilateral action and pooh-poohed Mr Fayyad's plan, so it has little chance of implementation any time soon.
Plus banks are unlikely to get specifics anytime soon from the federal government on implementation of key provisions of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law.
The event is expected to enrich current debates about the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, which will soon see the inscription of the 1000th site on its List.