Yet he never gave up working for a free, independent, and democratic Palestine.

The region won't be safer until there are political reforms, an independent Palestine and a withdrawal of foreign forces.

How fast can he move toward his goal of an independent Palestine?

Mr Arafat hates that plan, because it did not offer an independent Palestine.

Now it is a matter of time before an independent Palestine is recognized.

And just such enterprises, analysts have begun to say, represent the main chance for prosperity in an autonomous or independent Palestine.

"Only then can Israel be secure and the flag rise over an independent Palestine."

Israelis hope that autonomy will not turn into the independent Palestine most of them see as a dagger.

Most Israelis believe the past five years of negotiation will lead to an independent Palestine.

And they had agreed to a peace plan that is bound to lead to an independent Palestine, sooner than later.