EGYPT DECLARES COMPREHENSIVE PEACE IS AT HAND

PHEW. THAT WAS QUICK AND EASY. EXCUSE ME IF I REMAIN A BIT...SKEPTICAL.

Report: Palestinians, Israel Back Peace Plan
CAIRO (Reuters) - Palestinians and Israelis have agreed in principle to proposals aiming to end their conflict, Egypt's official news agency MENA said on Tuesday. Quoting unidentified high-level sources, it said the steps, including an Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire, had the support of both the United States and the European Union.

There was no immediate official comment from Israel, the Palestinians or from Egypt which has tried to play the role of mediator in previous efforts to ease Israeli-Palestinian violence. "High-level sources confirmed an important understanding -- reaching the point of an agreement in principle -- has been completed between Egypt, Israel, the Palestinians and several active international parties, America and Europe, regarding a comprehensive settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian struggle," MENA said.

It said points under discussion included a Palestinian commitment to stop operations against Israel and to control Gaza and the West Bank, while Israel would stop military actions as long as the Palestinian commitment held. "(Israeli Prime Minister Ariel) Sharon does not find it necessary to sign a cease-fire agreement until the security and administrative capabilities of the Palestinian Authority are rebuilt gradually," the report said.