U.S.-led truce proposals considered

JERUSALEM -- Palestinian and Israeli leaders separately pondered a U.S. truce proposal Monday, while the United States pressed a reluctant Israel to let Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat attend this week's Arab summit in Beirut regardless of whether a cease-fire is reached.

The Israelis and Palestinians held separate consultations late Monday night, with U.S. officials pressing for quick answers about their ideas to bridge gaps over implementing a truce plan negotiated last June by CIA Director George Tenet.

After consulting with Arafat, Palestinians said they would meet with U.S. officials this morning to discuss the U.S. bridging proposals, including asking for some changes.

U.S. envoy Anthony Zinni offered the ideas after several meetings between security commanders from both sides did not produce a truce accord. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon convened senior ministers to discuss the proposals late Monday.

U.S. officials said Zinni was trying to arrange a three-way meeting for today.

Meanwhile, time was running out for an Israeli decision about whether Arafat would travel to the Beirut summit, which begins Wednesday.

The Palestinian leadership said Arafat's participation in the Arab League Summit is a "Palestinian right and the Palestinian leadership rejects any Israeli blackmail."

Jibril Rajoub, a senior Palestinian security official, claimed that Arafat's participation in the summit was "100 percent assured."

Sharon aide Raanan Gissin told The Associated Press that the decision would be made today or possibly Wednesday morning.

Sharon has insisted that a cease-fire be in place before Arafat leaves the Palestinian areas. Israel controls entry and exit.