ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN SECURITY COOPERATION SLATED TO RESUME

ISRAEL LINE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 1997

  Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat agreed on Tuesday to renew
security cooperation with Israel, MA'ARIV reported. Arafat stipulated,
however, that the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States be
present as a third party at all talks involving the cooperation.
  Arafat announced his decision after a meeting with President Ezer Weizman
at the Erez Crossing near the Gaza Strip.
  Arafat did not consent to the renewal of peace talks, saying he was
waiting for "any settlement activity" to be stopped. He also avoided
responding to Weizman's proposal that he meet with Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu.
  Weizman is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu today to brief him on
Tuesday's meeting, Israel Radio, KOL YISRAEL, reported.
  Representatives of the General Security Service and Palestinian security
agencies are scheduled to meet within the next 24 hours; CIA representatives
are expected to attend the meeting as well.
  United States Middle East Coordinator Dennis Ross is expected to arrive in
Israel today and meet with Netanyahu. Later, Ross is expected to leave for
the Gaza Strip to meet with Arafat.
  Officials in Jerusalem said they are not certain Ross' visit will lead to
the resumption of peace talks.





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