I asked how he would handle the Mideast talks, given his slap at Mr. Bush for being tougher on Israel than the Arabs.

The sixth round of Mideast talks, involving Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinians, is to open here Monday morning and continue for a full month.

The NYT leads with the continuing Mideast talks, stashing the budget story inside.

During the most recent round of Mideast talks, the Palestinians proposed the election of a 180-member assembly to take over interim administration of the territories during a transitional period.

Olive Branch From Jordan Jordan's leader said he was ready to move toward normal relations with Israel without waiting for general progress in Mideast talks.

They both favor the continuing Mideast talks.

That means Mr. Abu Marzook has become an American problem at a moment when the United States is trying to mediate the precarious Mideast talks.

He has to be involved from time to time in Mideast talks or there will be no progress toward peace.

The Secretary General said his mediator also rejected Israeli claims that the Council's criticism of the deportations was damaging the Mideast talks.

These difficulties have been accompanied by the diminishing of Jordan's role as a principal party in Mideast talks involving the Israelis.