Despite its own reservations, the Bush administration continues to regard him as the only Palestinian strong enough to secure a lasting agreement with Israel.

The prospects of a lasting agreement were damaged further by the immediate context of the negotiations.

President Bush should appoint a permanent envoy to the region whose main task would be to broker a lasting agreement.

However the two sides failed to reach a lasting agreement.

The three said they wanted to include Protestant Unionists in "an equitable and lasting agreement."

But its efforts have failed to establish a lasting agreement, and the latest cease-fire could unravel as well.

"If it turns into a credible and lasting agreement it is bound to boost oil prices."

Only bilateral Palestinian-Israeli talks, with the help of the international community, can bring a lasting agreement.

At the same time, he said, any lasting agreement must come from mutual trust and not under the duress of threats or inducements from outside.

Trade agreements among countries can ensure political stability and form a solid basis for more or less lasting diplomatic agreements.