We're hopeful that we'll see an agreement very soon.

I think we've seen over the course of the last year is that Chairman Arafat may well be committed to wanting to live in peace with Israel, but his own capacity at this stage to reach a permanent agreement is at least something that has to be questioned.

Our objective is have the agreement implemented. Both sides have obligations and responsibilities, and we expect both sides to carry out those responsibilities and obligations.

The work is going very well, and ... I hope and expect that we will conclude an agreement shortly thereafter.