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