Palestinian Prime Minister Mr Ahmed Qurie said today he was willing to take up Israeli leader Mr Ariel Sharon's offer to meet for talks on reviving a stalled US-backed peace plan.
In fresh violence, a Palestinian motorcyclist died in hospital after being shot by Israeli soldiers at a roadblock near the West Bank city of Nablus.
Mr Qurie, trying to complete the formation of a government to replace an emergency cabinet whose 30-day term expires on Tuesday, said no date has been set for such a session.
Asked about the possibility he would hold talks with Mr Sharon, Mr Qurie told reporters: "We are not against (it)."
Mr Sharon said on Thursday he was ready to negotiate with Mr Qurie once the Palestinian prime minister -- locked in dispute with President Yasser Arafat over the composition of the cabinet and security powers -- consolidated his position.
Mr Sharon's offer appeared to signal a softening in Israel's position.