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Lt. Gen. William M. Fraser III (Reuters) Last update - 00:59 29/01/2008 U.S. envoy begins mission to monitor compliance with road map By The Associated Press Tags: U.S., William Fraser  A U.S. general, assigned to monitor the implementation of the latest Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, launched his mission on Monday. Lt. Gen. William M. Fraser III, a U.S. air force general, has been assigned to help the two sides overcome disputes created by noncompliance with the road map peace plan, which is the foundation of newly relaunched peace talks. The road map quickly floundered after it was introduced in 2003 because neither side carried out initial obligations. Israel continued to build in disputed territory, and the Palestinians failed to disarm militants. Advertisement Nearly five years later, these same obstacles have proven to be as potent as ever, souring talks that officially resumed at an international gathering in Annapolis, Maryland, two months ago. Israel has gone ahead with plans to build homes in areas the Palestinians claim for a future state, and Palestinian militants continue to attack or plan attacks against Israel from both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Fraser will not mediate or enforce compliance with the road map, but report back to Washington, where the judging would be done at a higher level, a senior Bush administration official has said. The Palestinians had hoped he would have greater powers, but Israel had resisted the notion of a road map arbiter. Fraser met in Jerusalem on Monday with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office said Fraser would meet the premier later this week. Livni's office said she emphasized in her meeting with Fraser that Israel's security must be assured under any peace deal. She also reiterated that any accord must apply not only to the West Bank, where moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas governs, but also the Gaza Strip, which is ruled by Hamas militants sworn to Israel's destruction. Barak told Fraser that security must be the basis for all progress, according to Barak's office. Fraser is scheduled to meet Tuesday with Abbas and Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. The U.S. administration has no ties with Hamas, which it classifies as a terror organization. Ahead of the meetings in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said it was time to implement the commitments of the first phase of the road map. "The Palestinians intend to present to Fraser a list of commitments they say Israel must carry out, and the status of the Palestinians' implementation of their own obligations," Erekat said. Fraser is the latest addition to what has become a trio of U.S. generals involved in Mideast talks. During the Annapolis conference, the Bush administration appointed former NATO commander James Jones, a retired Marine Corps general, as a security envoy. Lt. Gen. Keith Dayton is helping to train and equip the Palestinian security forces. Related articles: Ex-U.S. envoy: Slim chance for Mideast peace by end of year Arab League chief: Israeli policy is destroying peace process Bookmark to del.icio.us   Painful lessons The IDF has already learnt lessons of the Second Lebanon War. Brothers in guilt 'We are all guilty; is an effective summary of the final Winograd report.   1.   All he needs 19:06  |  Mark Lincoln 28/01/08   2.   This nomination is a clear message: 19:44  |  Kris 28/01/08   3.   Can he be bought? 19:56  |  Marwin 28/01/08   4.   Ouch, this will hurt the occupiers. 20:39  |  Saragit 28/01/08   5.   First Stop - Gaza border! 20:55  |  ZADOK 28/01/08   6.   security in and out 21:52  |  Nuchem 28/01/08   7.   to 2 21:53  |  RIght Size 28/01/08   8.   yankees go home !no more buffoonery please 23:18  |  v hardman 28/01/08   9.   Nobody can force sides to act against their interests 23:30  |  Dan Chazan 28/01/08   10.   #1 mark scores a hit at last! spot on 23:32  |  v hardman 28/01/08   11.   #8 what is your solution then? 23:34  |  Don Camillo 28/01/08   12.   #2 kris didnt anyone tell you already? 00:29  |  v hardman 29/01/08   13.   Nothing 01:10  |  John 29/01/08   14.   I know Johnny, Jews have no right to a state 01:43  |  Dan Chazan 29/01/08   15.   The facts Dan? 18:21  |  John 29/01/08   16.   Arab Blood? 03:58  |  Dan Chazan 31/01/08

Today Online Ahmadinejad tells West: Accept Israel's 'imminent collapse' Responses: 307 Winograd: Final ground op 'did not achieve military goals' Responses: 110 Amira Hass: Finally, there's a popular uprising in Gaza Responses: 89 UN envoy: Gaza women feel coerced into covering heads Responses: 105 High Court okays cutting fuel and power to Gaza Responses: 111 Rosner's Domain The campaign for Darfur has achieved all its goals - but one Rosner's Guest: Israelis do not know enough about Jewish Diaspora Jewish vote in Florida: 58% for Clinton (WTR) Poll: Is there a "constant virulent campaign" against Obama? Back to divestment from Israel (WTR) More Headlines 04:34 Winograd lays blame for war failings on IDF 04:11 IDF says was 'well aware' of flaws before Winograd Report 22:01 Winograd: Final ground op 'did not achieve military goals', but approving it was essential step 03:22 Protest movement seeks to get to Olmert through Barak 22:59 ANALYSIS: Winograd Committee report says 'we are all guilty' 22:03 German cabinet will visit Israel to mark Jewish state's 60th year 02:42 Giuliani quits Republican presidential race, endorses McCain 19:28 Egyptian police kill two Africans during bid to cross into Israel 02:22 Jerusalem officials praise public's response to snowstorm 17:13 High Court okays reducing fuel and power supply to Gaza Strip 20:50 Hezbollah: War report will corner Olmert, make him lose credibility 20:07 Israel to send thousands of vaccines to Gaza after border breach 22:10 Kadima rallies around Olmert, urges Barak to stay in gov't Previous Editions Select Day 30 jan 29 jan 28 jan 27 jan 25 jan 24 jan 23 jan 22 jan 21 jan 20 jan 18 jan 17 jan

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