By The Associated Press

Highlights of the "road map" for Mideast peace, developed by the "Quartet" of the United States, the European Union (news - web sites), the United Nations (news - web sites) and Russia:

GOALS:

_ A "final and comprehensive settlement" of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by 2005.

_ The settlement will include "an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel."

_ Without mentioning specific final borders, the plan seeks to "end the occupation that began in 1967" — when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, areas the Palestinians demand for their state.

_ To reach a solution the Palestinians need "a leadership acting decisively against terror."

MONITORING COMPLIANCE:

_ "The Quartet will meet regularly at senior levels to evaluate the parties' performance."

PHASE I:

The Palestinian Authority (news - web sites) must:

_ Issue "an unequivocal statement reiterating Israel's right to exist in peace and security and calling for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire."

_ "Undertake visible efforts on the ground to arrest, disrupt and restrain individuals and groups" conducting and planning violence on Israelis.

_ Dismantle "terrorist capabilities and infrastructure."

_ End all incitement against Israel.

_ Bring all security organizations under control of interior minister.

_ Hold free, open, and fair elections.

Israel must:

_ Issue an "unequivocal statement affirming its commitment to the two-state vision of an independent, viable, sovereign Palestinian state (and) calling for an immediate end to violence against Palestinians anywhere."

_ Freeze all construction in Jewish settlements.

_ Immediately dismantle illegal settlement outposts built since March 2001.

_ End demolitions of the homes of Palestinian militants.

_ Withdraw progressively from the Palestinian autonomous zones that it has reoccupied during the conflict.

PHASE II (as early as end of 2003):

_ Israel moves to "enhance maximum territorial contiguity" for the Palestinians.

_ Palestinian constitution ratified.

_ An international conference launches the process leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state with provisional borders.

_ Quartet members will promote international recognition of the Palestinian state and U.N. membership.

PHASE III (2004-2005):

_ Second international conference will finalize the permanent-status solution for Palestinian state in 2005, including borders, Jerusalem, refugees, settlements — and peace between Israel and other Arab states.

Source: the final draft of the "road map," dated Dec. 20, 2002, and made available to The Associated Press by diplomatic sources.

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