Diplomats, politicians and - oh, no - press (Baltimore Sun)

[GreatAmerican]

<p>Syria’s decision to attend raises hopes of progress</p>

<p>[Momentum</a> builds for session – baltimoresun.com](<a href=“http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/world/bal-te.summit26nov26,0,7860966.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout]Momentum”>http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/world/bal-te.summit26nov26,0,7860966.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout)</p>

<p>

Momentum is accelerating toward a major Mideast conference in Maryland tomorrow, as Syria’s surprise decision to attend raised the potential for significant progress – and also increased the potential for dashed expectations and renewed violence.</p>

<p>Israeli and Palestinian officials struggled yesterday on a last-minute effort to hammer out a joint statement that the Bush administration hoped would lay the groundwork for serious negotiations in the immediate future. But disagreements remained over what that statement would say and what new actions each side should take to signal good intentions…

</p>