But Egyptian officials quickly said terrorism had no role in the crash.

"He shows no sign of understanding or trying to deal with what is going on," one Egyptian official said.

Egyptian officials estimated that 450 people had been killed and 4,000 hurt.

"They did not accept his offer because of fear," said one senior Egyptian official.

Egyptian officials have said they are considering an increase of about 2 percent.

The immediate loss was estimated by Egyptian officials at $1.1 billion a year.

Egyptian officials said before the meeting that they did not expect such a move.

He went to the border and met Egyptian officials there.

He said the safety board was working with Egyptian officials and the efforts would continue "until we can answer that question."

Palestinian and Egyptian officials had wanted the foreign ministers to begin their meeting today.