The Israelis said Mr Abbas and his aides seemed unprepared to make that commitment, rehearsing rather their demand that Mr Sharon announce first his unequivocal acceptance of the road map.

ECONOMIST: Hitting hopes for peace

"If, in fact, Mr. Netanyahu were to make an unequivocal statement about acceptance of this as a solution concept, then he should immediately be asked to begin, immediately, to implement Israel's other obligations under the road map, " said Salam Fayyad, the Palestinian prime minister.

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