(2003-09-18) -- PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat yesterday hinted at "a foundation for peace" in the middle east, just as the so-called 'roadmap for peace' seemed doomed to collapse.

Reuters news agency reports that Mr. Arafat asked, "Is there anyone in Palestine who does not dream of martyrdom?"

An unnamed source on the Israeli cabinet welcomed Mr. Arafat's statement.

"If he is personally serious about that, it presents the greatest opportunity for peace in a generation," the spokesman said.