Who calls for international monitors?

The White House is playing down comments by Secretary of State Colin Powell on the need for international monitors to observe steps in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Mr. Powell’ s comments after a meeting with Yasser Arafat created a stir in the Middle East. He appeared to be endorsing Palestinian calls for international monitors -- a move that Israel opposes.
     But White House spokesman Ad Fleischer says there is nothing new in what Colin Powell had to say. He denies Mr. Powell was endorsing the kind of monitoring force envisioned by the Palestinian leader.
     Mr. Fleischer says the idea of international monitors is mentioned in existing agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.
     During a session with reporters, the White House spokesman stressed the United States believes observers should only be deployed with the prior consent of all parties involved.