Military

DATE=9/22/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL/PALESTINIANS (S)

NUMBER=2-307762

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has offered to reach a cease-fire with Israel on condition that international monitors supervise peace-making efforts. Ross Dunn has details from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat says that Mr. Arafat made the truce offer in meetings with three of the representatives of the so-called Quartet of Mideast peacemakers - Russia, the European Union and the United Nations.

The fourth member of the Quartet, the United States, has refused to deal with Mr. Arafat.

Mr. Erekat said Mr. Arafat had cited conditions for reaching what he called a total cease-fire, including sending international monitors to encourage the so-called road map to peace plan.

The plan, which is supported by the Quartet, calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state by 2005.

Israel has given its support to the road map but has ruled out negotiations with Mr. Arafat, whom it blames for orchestrating much of the violence.

President Bush's administration has also broken off contacts with Mr. Arafat. (Signed)

NEB/RD/ALW