DATE=03/26/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (s)

NUMBER=2-287980

BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN

DATELINE= JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Israeli and Palestinian officials are seeking clarification of various points of an American ceasefire plan that aims to end 18 months of bloodshed. At the same time, Israel is waiting until the last minute to decide whether to let Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat travel to an Arab League summit that opens Wednesday. Correspondent Laurie Kassman has more from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Israeli newspapers predict the government will accept American envoy Anthony Zinni's ceasefire framework after it gets clarification of several points. A trilateral meeting was canceled Monday because Palestinian officials also wanted more time to study the draft.

Another meeting is scheduled for later Tuesday, amid speculation in the Israeli media that a ceasefire could be announced.

One key dispute has been over the time allotted for implementation of the truce. Palestinians also want to link the truce to a political process leading back to peace talks.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has conditioned Palestinian leader Arafat's travel to the Arab League summit on the ceasefire. The Israeli leader is under increased American pressure to let Mr. Arafat go. (Signed)

NEB / LK / WD