The Special Envoy concluded his fourth visit to the region on 10 August since his appointment at the beginning of June 2005. With Disengagement scheduled to begin in a week's time, all efforts have been focused on resolution of the six joint issues.

(1) Border Crossings and Trade Corridors: Coordination between the two sides has been underscored by the visits of Secretary Rice and Javier Solana. The Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority have now agreed to two key steps on the crossing points: first, the introduction of a modern, coordinated management system based on the publication and transparent monitoring of terminal service standards and procedures; and second, replacement of the inefficient "back to back” cargo management system (i.e. full unloading and reloading of all cargoes at the border) with mechanisms that use scanner technology---progressing in time to the through passage of Palestinian trucks (so-called “door to door” movement). Detailed discussions are underway between two committees to reach agreement on a new approach which will produce an immediate, significant and visible change in the movement of goods in and out of the West Bank and Gaza. Once the basic agreements are in place, USAID and the World Bank will move to provide financial and technical support for this regeneration and improvement of the border management regime.

One crossing that deserves special mention is the border between Egypt and Gaza at Rafah. Israel remains concerned about post-disengagement security management and customs considerations along the Philadelphi Line. This is reflected in intensive discussions with the Government of Egypt and by internal debate in the Israeli cabinet and among the Israelis, Palestinians and Egyptians about whether or not to allow the continuation of today’s arrangements at Rafah or consider alternatives at the three way border in Kerem Shalom. The outcome of these discussions is still not certain, and deliberations are expected to continue in the coming weeks. It will be the central issue in the days and weeks ahead and will affect both security and custom issues also of great importance. The European commission has undertaken a preliminary study into design and costs of a sunken territorial link.

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