Palestinian Tells of Deal With Israel

Palestinian negotiators struck a deal with Israel to realize two key symbols of Palestinian sovereignty but warned of deadlock on major issues. Under the agreement, Palestinians will be able to move more freely between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank starting in October, when work on a port in Gaza City will also begin, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said. But Erekat emphasized that there can be no real progress without agreement on the release of Palestinian prisoners and a timetable for an Israeli withdrawal from parts of the West Bank. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak issued a statement confirming that progress was made but did not elaborate.