But since the expulsions, Palestinian delegates have said they will not take part, and question marks surround the Arab countries.

If the elections are carried out, the Palestinian delegates would have no official duties except to take part in the negotiations.

"Now that the bilaterals are under way, every party is free to pursue them to the limit," said a Palestinian delegate who requested anonymity.

For the Palestinian delegates spoke calmly and reasonably.

The second proposal was that Egypt would name the Palestinian delegates to the talks.

At a news conference, Palestinian delegates hinted that the deportations would slow the search for peace.

The Palestinian delegates need an agreement - an acceptable one - to justify their negotiating role.

Such measures, they say, may also persuade Palestinian delegates to the talks that for their own political welfare, they have to withdraw.

Israel refused to allow 180 Palestinian delegates from the occupied territories to attend the council meeting, threatening legal measures against them if they did so.

In either case, confusion reigned as furious Palestinian delegates threatened to walk out.