The Palestinians have said they do not want a partial agreement. The Palestinians need to show greater flexibility and make compromises, said one Israeli official. U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright denied reports of an American proposal on the table and played down the ability of American facilitators to push compromise proposals. There cannot be an American imposition. There can be American assistance, American suggestions, but I can assure you that the only way there will be a comprehensive agreement is if both the parties agree to it.
Pressure remains on the current round of talks.
If we don't get some decisions soon, we will miss an historic opportunity. The meeting marked the first time the two leaders have sat down together since the U.S.-hosted Camp David summit ended without an agreement in July. President Clinton telephoned during the meeting to urge the two leaders to advance the stalemated talks. Meanwhile, as the negotiators arrived in Washington, lawmakers on Capitol Hill continued work on legislation that pressures the Palestinians not to unilaterally declare a state. The bill was expected to be brought to the floor as early as Wednesday.