Netanyahu and King Hussein hold a joint news conference

Israel and Jordan Discuss Security Measures

The two leaders met in the Red Sea resort of Aqaba, where King Hussein pressed for the easing of sanctions on Palestinian areas imposed after the recent suicide bomb attacks in Jerusalem. But Mr Netanyahu said he hoped to have further negotiations before a decision was made. He also claimed he had information that new attacks were being planned against Israel.

Mr Netanyahu told a joint news conference Israel will adjust its policies when it sees positive action from Palestinain leader Yasser Arafat to fight terrorism. "What we would like to see is the fulfillment of the commitment to battle the terrorists and as we see action - any action - taken in that direction, we shall adjust and change our measures accordingly."

As the meeting in Jordan was going on, the American peace envoy, Dennis Ross, was having more consultations in Israel.

On Tuesday, there was a minor breakthrough, following talks between Mr Ross and the Israeli Prime Minister.

The US envoy obtained an agreement whereby Israeli and Palestinian security officials will resume, with American help, regular meetings to co-ordinate action against Palestinian radicals opposed to the Israel-PLO peace agreement.

Dennis Ross's earlier meeting with the Israeli PM

"This has been a good start. The process has been set in motion," said Mr Ross. But he was careful to play down rising expectations: "To assume we would be able to do much more than this at this time is not realistic. Now we have to evaluate whether or not the results are going to be forthcoming."

Israel's sealing of the West Bank and Gaza Strip was criticised by Mr Ross. "Measures that don't relate clearly to security are measures that are not helpful and are counterproductive," he told reporters before his meeting with Mr Netanyahu.

Later, Mr Ross met with the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Afterwards, he said: "When we talk on the security basis, we are paving the way to deal with broader issues that have to be dealt with."

The Americans are anxious to move the peace process forward. Mr Ross, originally scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday, has said that he will postpone his departure from the region until at least Wednesday. Any further progress he makes could lead to the American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, visiting the Middle East at the end of August.

Related sites

• US State Department
• Israeli Government index of official websites
• Homepage of the Israeli Foreign Ministry
• Palestinian National Authority Official Website