PA (Palestinian Authority) chief negotiator Ahmed Quriea (Abu Ala) announced on Tuesday that if the negotiating process with Israel fails, then a return to violence would be a legitimate means for the PA to achieve its objectives.

Some PA officials are optimistic, preferring what they perceive as Tzipi Livni�s direction, detailed talks on a final status agreement instead of the ongoing conceptual talks as has been the case in negotiations with Ehud Olmert.

Deputy Minister Chaim Ramon, a close Olmert associate, commented on Tuesday that Olmert�s imminent departure will distance the chances of reaching an agreement with the PA.

On the Syrian front, the Tishreen newspaper reports that Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad is hinting that once Livni is in office, it may signal a possibility to turn to direct talks with Israel instead of the current arrangement of negotiating via Turkey acting as an intermediary.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)