U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, in office less than a month, will visit Israel and meet with Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon in two weeks. The White House announced last night that the Clinton understandings would no longer serve as the basis for future talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Ehud Barak and Bill Clinton similarly said yesterday that the proposals need not obligate the Sharon government. Palestinian Legislative Council Chairman Abu Ala said, however, that what was achieved at Taba cannot be erased, and threatened that a demand to do so will “increase the Palestinians\' frustration and will lead to further bloodshed.”