Behind the scenes, however, there have been some active goings-on: if Mr Beilin's party is able to form Israel's next government, a document containing the basic ingredients of a final agreement will be at its disposal.

ECONOMIST: Peacemakers 2

Although the basic elements of the framework document are still there, both sides have already scrutinised the brief text of the new proposals like palaeontologists poring over a fossil record.

ECONOMIST: The end of the beginning

"Member states shall have equal rights to manage the internet, including in regard to the allotment, assignment and reclamation of internet numbering, naming, addressing and identification resources and to support for the operation and development of basic internet infrastructure, " it said in a document submitted on 17 November.

BBC: Google attacks UN's internet treaty conference

Background and details are given in an informal 12-page document dated 16 October 2007 made available by UNESCO's International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) to the UNESCO General Conference.

UNESCO: Small Island Developing States