The Israeli plan avoids "facing increasing world pressures to solve the problem in a just and durable way," the Jordanian leader said.

Outsiders told Jordanian leaders that its very existence simply did not make sense.

The President asked if the Jordanian leader would receive an envoy to discuss the proposals in some detail.

In turn, that has implications for the peace process, since the Jordanian leader would count on Washington to press Israel to make concessions during negotiations.

But the Jordanian leader appears to be caught in the middle of the standoff.

The Egyptian and Jordanian leaders shifted uncomfortably when they first sat for photographers on either end of a couch in the presidential palace.

"This will also directly affect the Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian leaders' ability to sell any agreement to their people."

The Cardinal also met with King Hussein and other high-ranking Jordanian leaders.

A3 A meeting between Jordanian and Israeli leaders was reported.

American officials declined to give details of Mr. Shultz's talks with the Jordanian leader.