By the 13th February 2000, should the two parties succeed in settling other outstanding disputes, it would be a very major achievement. Truly swords would be turned into ploughshares. The indications are that the matter is coming to a head as the negotiators meet in almost

non-stop sessions.

THE signs are galore that the Palestine-Israel conflict Is well on its way to a final settlement. That leaves only Syria and Israel, who have to settle their problems. If winter comes can spring be far behind?

The Palestinian and the Israeli. negotiators appear to have engaged in a last ditch negotiation to meet the deadline of 13 February 2000. That deadline, according to a Palestinian source, was set by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Premier Barak had set a deadline during his election campaign that he would pull out his forces from South Lebanon by Autumn of 2000. Indications are that Barak Is determined to meet those deadlines.

By 13 February the Pales--tlnlans and the Israelis are to formalize a status agreement, which will lead them to a final settlement this Autumn. Palestinian leader Yaser Arafat had two tete-a-tete with President Bill Clinton of the USA. one in Washington. DC and the other in Davos in Switzerland. It would appear that Chairman Arafat wants from President Bill Clinton of the USA all the guarantees before he takes the final plunge.

There are tough issues that the Palestinians and the Israelis are handling. Right now they are to decide on the framework. Among the issues are the question of the borders of the new state of Palestine, the return of the refugees uprooted from their homes by successive Israeli Invasions. But by far the most difficult is the status of Jerusalem. Israel has declared Jerusalem as the eternal capital of her country and has set up her capital in a part of Jerusalem. Virtually no state has recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, most notably not the USA. Chairman Arafat wants to have his capital of the new state of Palestine on the other part of Jerusalem. Above all this is the spiritual claim of Christianity and Islam. For Jerusalem is the spiritual centre of three monotheistic faiths — namely Judaism. Christianity and Islam.

And on top of ail this Jerusalem used to be the first Holy city of Islam and Muslims throughout the world used to

turn their head towards Jerusalem before they shifted to the Holy Kaaba. Thus It is clear that Jerusalem arouses great passion among the monotheistic faiths. It is difficult to visualize a final settlement of Jerusalem without the involvement of representatives of the three faiths.

By the 13th February 2000. should the two parties succeed In settling other outstanding disputes, it would be a very major achievement. Truly swords would be turned into ploughshares. The indications are that the mater Is coming to a head as the negotiators meet in almost non-stop sessions in a secret location away from the glare of publicity. These current negotiations are to be followed

by a meeting between Chairman Arafat and Prime Minister Ehud Barak In the presence of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Hopefully they will succeed in a putting the seal to a framework agreement. which will set a time table. Interestingly Barak appears to enjoy working within a time frame, which is very helpful in the present Juncture.

A successful negotiation between Palestine and Israel will clear the deck for attacking vigorously the other problem — Golan Heights of Syria. Very serious negotiations have taken place outside Washington DC between Premier Ehud Barak and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara in the presence of US President Bill Clin-

ton. It is evident that the negotiators have not allowed protocol to stand in the way as the representative in the case of Israel was the Prime Minister and Syria was represented by her Foreign Minister. Not much has filtered about those meetings but the parties are conscious that the stakes are Igh and there is no time for petty haggling.

A deal between Syria and Israel would automatically settle the problem of withdrawal of Israeli forces from South Lebanon. As is well known Syria has a overwhelming presence In Lebanon and whatever Syria decides is expected to be accepted by Lebanon. That would settle the problem of Barak's promise to his electorate regarding the withdrawal of forces from South Lebanon.

The problem between Syria and Israel resembles greatly the situation that existed between Egypt and Israel prior to the Camp David Accord of 1979. Israel has to vacate from Golan Heights like she did from the

vast Sinai desert. Israel had received in return recognition from Egypt, the largest Arab state and the most Important one as well. From Syria Israel would expect iron clad guarantees regarding her security. Golan Heights overlooks Israeli territory, hence Israeli sensitivity. Israel, however, has to recognise that security cannot be achieved through a piece of paper it resides In the hearts and minds of people. By their sustained contact the Ice between the Arabs and Israel has considerably melted and time is bound to take care of the rest

This is homestretch for President Bill Clinton. During his two terms of presidency he has toiled ceaselessly and given every ounce of his energy particularly in pushing the Peace Process forward in the Middle East. President Clinton has achieved spectacular result like the famous handshake on the terrace of the White House between long-time foes — the Palestinian leader and his Israeli counterpart.

The Middle East conflict appears to have reached homestretch. What better gift to President Bill Clinton from the leaders of the Middle East than a Comprehensive Peace Treaty?