ARAFAT AND PERES SHAKE ON IT

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Pushing ahead with peace talks that some in their respective constituencies oppose -- often violently -- PLO leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Foreign minister Shimon Peres met in Brussels to hammer out an agreement on elections in Palestinian-ruled territories. The two sides didn't give details, but hinted that the talks were positive. "The Israelis understand our need for quick elections," Arafat said. "At the same time, we have to understand their need for security." The leaders met in the aftermath ofincreasing bloodshed in Gazaand the West Bank. The most recent victim of the violence was buried today, a West Bank rabbi who died in a drive-by Sunday shooting claimed by Islamic militants. Israeli troops are supposed to withdraw from West Bank towns before Palestinian elections, but remain concerned about the safety of the 120,000 Jewish settlers.Arafat's next step: secure aid already pledged by Western countries -- which would both improve economic conditions and boost his stature among his own people. In the works: $700 million promised by the U.S., Japan and the European Union. "We need all the donors to keep their promises ... A lot of promises remain on paper," Arafat said.Post your opinion on theInternationalbulletin board.