Ain-Al-Yaqeen - December 3, 2004

		December 3, 2004

THE PALESTINIAN LEADERSHIP DISCUSS IN CAIRO AND AMMAN THE ARAB SUPPORT TO THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE.
ABU MAZEN PROMISES TO BE COMMITTED TO THE BASIC PRINCIPLES.
THE CONFERENCE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE HOLY SITES IN PALESTINE CALLS UPON THE WORLD TO INTERFERE TO STOP THE ISRAELI PRACTICES IN THE HOLY SITES.
SHARON'S GOVERNMENT AGREE ON REROUTING THE BARRIER.

Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) 's Executive Committee Mahmoud Abbass (Abu Mazen) told a press conference that his talks with President Mubarak were very important.

Emerging from a meeting with Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa, Abu-Mazen, who led a Palestinian Authority delegation in Cairo, said we kept President Mubarak informed of the recent developments on the Palestinian arena concerning power transfer and other issues that needed to be consulted on with the President.

He added that there was nothing wrong with meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, but, he elaborated that such a meeting needed more time for preparation.

We are committed to the basic principles set by late president Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian official asserted.

Commenting on the Israeli claims Arafat was an impediment to the peace process in the Middle East, Abu -Mazen said the late president was a great supporter of the peace drive.

"We do not accept any false remarks that Arafat was not in favor of peace with the Israelis as he started the peace process in Oslo onwards", he added.

Oslo is still alive and the roadmap peace plan has reinforced the peace process as it has underlined three main issues; namely, the establishment of a Palestinian state, ending the post-1967 war occupation of Palestinian territories and reaching a just and acceptable solution to the Palestinian refugees problem, he said, adding that there was hardly any difference between Oslo and the roadmap.

Responding to a question on the Palestinian elections, Abu-Mazen said all necessary measures would be taken to guarantee domestic and international supervision of the vote towards a democratic and fair elections.

Queried about participation by Hamas movement in the elections, he said he could not answer for Hamas, but he added that the movement has not yet named a candidate for the January elections.

There is an urgent need for the Palestinians to control possession of weapons to maintain one sole authority in the Palestinian lands, he said.

On his part, Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei (Abu-Alaa) said there is a dire need for arms control in the Palestinian lands and continuation of the national dialogue.

Legitimate resistance will continue as long as there is occupation, he said.

The form of resistance differs in accordance with the supreme Palestinian interests, he said.

As for a proposed state with temporary borders, he said the matter was under discussion.

"We are close to the 2005 deadline for establishing a Palestinian state side by side with the Israeli state," he said.

We hope US President George W. Bush will not propose four more years as we still have 13 months to settle the issue," he told reporters.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit said that the delegation of the Palestinian leaderships will listen to President Mubarak's views, describing the visit as extremely important after the passing away of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Egypt has stressed its keenness on maintaining unity of Palestinian ranks and on avoiding the emergence of any disagreements among the Palestinian leaderships at the present time.

Egypt hopes that Palestinian elections would be held in peace and calm. President Mubarak discussed at his meeting with Mahmoud Abbas, the chairman of the PLO executive committee, Ahmed Qurei, the Prime Minister and Rawhi Fattouh, the interim chairman of the Palestinian Authority, the assistance Egypt could offer at the stage of elections, the President said Egypt will continue to support the Palestinian people and their cause.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian presidential spokesman said that Egypt is keen on the unity of the Palestinian front and the avoidance of any internal strife among Palestinian leaders at this stage, and will step in to assist them in their elections.

Speaking to the press after President Hosni Mubarak received the Palestinian delegation under PLO Executive Committee Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, Ambassador Maged Abdel Fattah said Egypt is interested in promoting the Palestinian elections and wants them to be "smooth and peaceful" to show the international community the Palestinians are intent on peace, that their resolve towards peace is not linked to one particular person or a particular stage.

Egypt is canvassing Palestinian views on the assistance needed in the coming phase and will extend aid not only for the presidential elections, but also the municipal and legislative ones, he added.

Several countries, among them European, want to help and the US has already offered $ 20 million, he said.

Some countries President Mubarak visited lately said they would extend assistance to the Palestinians to back the elections process, "that we want to be a real reflection of the Palestinian march towards peace," he said.

President Mubarak received Abbas, Palestinian Premier Ahmed Qurei and interim chairman of the Palestinian Authority Ruhi Fattouh.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit and Palestinian ambassador to Egypt Zohdi Al-Qedra.

Asked about Palestinian demands the Egyptian delegation would carry on their upcoming visit to Israel, the presidential spokesman said. The Palestinian situation has not changed, and thus, the chief demands remain the same, namely commitment to the roadmap for peace, improving the conditions of Palestinians in the occupied territories, providing the candidates in the elections with the freedom of movement, the participation of east Jerusalem residents in the elections and the start of serious political negotiations.

"In Egypt's view, this is the only way to abort any attempts to torpedo the peace process and to embark on serious political negotiations.

These are the issues the Egyptian delegation will carry to Israel, in addition to coordination in the security domains and dialogue with the Palestinian organizations and Israel because it would not be right to have a Palestinian commitment that is not met on the other side by an Israeli commitment," he added.

The Egyptian dialogue with the Palestinian factions proceeds on two fronts: a direct dialogue between Egypt and the factions, and a multilateral dialogue between Egypt and the factions, he said.

"We are confident, the Palestinian leadership, whether Abu Mazen or anyone else, will unite Palestinian ranks and start a real peace process towards the attainment of national goals.

On his part, Mahmoud Abbas said following the meeting that he briefed the President on the development of positions since the passing away of late Chairman Arafat especially the issue of transferring legislative and executive authority, the file of security, the Palestinian national unity and the issue of elections.

Answering a question on the collective tour by the Palestinian delegation to Cairo and Amman, Abbas said the aim is to brief President Mubarak and King Abdullah II on the domestic and foreign moves by the Palestinians in preparation for holding upcoming elections in full transparency.

He said that legislative elections will be held at a date that will be set in May.

President Mubarak assured the delegation that Egypt will be forever supportive of the Palestinian people and their cause.

Asked whether it was agreed on dates to train the Palestinian security cadres and resume the inter-Palestinian talks in Egypt, Abbas said we have already agreed with Egypt on these issues.

We will together follow up the issue, he added.

Abbas thanked President Mubarak and the Egyptian people for their stance and for the august military funeral which was held in Egypt for Arafat.

In Amman King Abdullah II stressed Jordan's keenness on maintaining the Palestinian people's unity as well as on supporting efforts of the Palestinian leadership to hold elections.

The King stressed the importance of seizing the current opportunity to resume efforts that aim at establishing the viable independent Palestinian state as soon as possible, pointing that achieving such goal requires an Israeli and Palestinian commitment to the comprehensive and just peace through the full and accurate implementation of the roadmap.

Upon receiving the President of the Palestinian Liberation Organization's Executive Committee, Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Prime Minister, Ahmad Qurei, interim President of the Palestinian National Authority, Rawhi Fattouh, and the Palestinian Charge' d'affaires in Amman, King Abdullah stressed that Jordan will continue its efforts at all levels, especially with the international community to create suitable climate for the Palestinian elections with a view to achieve the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

During the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister, Faisal Fayez, Minister of the Royal Court, Samir Rifai, and Deputy Prime Minister/ State Minister for Prime Ministry Affairs/ Acting Foreign Minister, Marwan Muasher, King Abdullah stressed that his talks with European officials last week focused on the important role that can be played by the European Union and the International Community in supporting the Palestinian leadership's efforts that aim at building the Palestinian institutions.

The King added that during his upcoming visit to the US, he will discuss with the US President George Bush and the US officials means to rally support for the Palestinian leadership's steps that aim at establishing a viable independent Palestinian state.

On his part, Abbas and his accompanying delegation expressed appreciation for efforts being exerted by King Abdullah II to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

''The Palestinians are committed to implementing the roadmap items,'' stressed Abbas, who also expressed the importance of the Israeli commitment to the implementation of this peace plan.

The Palestinian delegation's visit comes within efforts of the Palestinian leadership to familiarize King Abdullah and the Jordanian officials on efforts of the Palestinian side during the upcoming stage.

Prime Minister, Faisal Fayez, expressed Jordan's full support to Palestinian brethren to achieve security and stability in the Palestinian lands.

Upon receiving interim President of the Palestinian Authority, Rawhi Fattouh, President of the Palestinian Liberation Organization's executive committee, Mahmoud Abbas, and Prime Minister, Ahmad Qurei, Fayez stressed Jordan's support for the Palestinian Authority's efforts to hold elections and resume peace talks with the Israeli side to implement the roadmap.

On his part, Abbas said, in press statements after the meeting, that talks with Fayez covered the Palestinian situation after the passing away of the late Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat. ''The Palestinian constants are existed, particularly in the roadmap, which stipulates the establishment of a Palestinian state and ending 1967 occupation.

During the meeting, which was attended by the State Minister for Prime Ministry Affairs and Government Performance and the State Minister for Legal Affairs, the visiting delegation briefed Fayez on the latest developments in the Palestinian lands.

Abbas also pointed that the Palestinian constants are important to be built on, noting that he will pay a visit to Syria on Dec. 6.

On the other hand Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and PLO leader Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) each told Newsweek in separate and exclusive interviews released last Sunday that they are prepared to meet each other.

When asked by the magazine if he is ready to meet with Abbas, Sharon replied, "When they would like to meet, we will meet." Abbas, who confirmed Palestinian elections will be held on January 9, said "after the elections, I'm ready to meet at any time with Sharon."

The Israeli leader left open the possibility of advancement in the peace process, saying "now it depends on whether the (new Palestinian leadership) can bring an end to terror and incitement. Then there might be a window of opportunity."

Abbas also described the current period following the death of Yasser Arafat as an opportunity for the region and the international community. "But if we miss this opportunity, there is no one to be blamed but ourselves," the PLO leader said.

Sharon also told Newsweek he intends to coordinate his "disengagement plan" with a new Palestinian government if it can "assume control over areas we evacuate."

Abbas admitted the Palestinian Authority is not currently prepared to take security responsibility following an Israeli withdrawal, describing the situation as "some sort of chaos, especially in Gaza." The PLO leader said "we are ready to take (Gaza Strip) when we rebuild our security apparatus... I'm working very hard to rebuild the security apparatus."

Sharon said Israel will take all the necessary steps to enable the Palestinians to conduct elections for Palestinian Authority chairmanship "with as little interference as possible - by opening the roads and taking our forces out of their towns."

Abbas told the Palestinian parliament last week that he would follow in Arafat's footsteps and demand that Israel recognize the right of return of Palestinian refugees to Israel.

However, Abbas told Newsweek in the interview released Sunday he did not make such a demand of Israel.

"I didn't say that," the PLO leader told the magazine. "I'm not talking about anything beyond the road map. According to the road map, there should be a just and agreed-upon solution for the refugees according to (United Nations Resolution) 194. President Bush said that there should be a two-state solution; the Palestinian state should be independent, viable and contiguous."

On the other hand Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei called on Foreign Ministers of member states of the Quartet in addition to Norway, Canada, Japan, donors countries and the Chairman of the World Bank that their next meeting should concentrate on revitalizing the Palestinian economy.

Confirming PLO Chairman Mahmud Abbas as Fatah's candidate in January 9 presidential elections, and holding the 6th conference and internal elections on 4 August 2005, were among other decisions approved by the 24th session of the Revolutionary Council (RC) of the Palestinian ruling movement, which was held in the West Bank city of Ramallah at the weekend.

The Revolutionary Council convened in Arafat's headquarters in the Muqataa, which has become a symbol of Palestinian steadfastness because the late leader was besieged inside it by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) since December 2001 until October 29 when he was to flown to Paris for treatment before his passing away on November 11.

Fatah will hold its conference and internal elections on late President Yaser Arafat's birthday on 4 August 2005, for the first time since 1987, to elect new central committee and revolutionary council members, while carrying out other changes.

The last such conference, the fifth since Fatah's creation in 1965, was held in Tunisia in 1987.

"New central committees and revolutionary council members will be elected, and if need be, a new party program will be adopted and amendments made to the Basic Law," or the Palestinian constitution, the Palestinian agriculture minister and member of Fatah's Revolutionary Council Ibrahim Abu Al-Naja told AFP.

16 members are on Fatah's Central Committee, the movement's highest executive body, which was chaired by Arafat.

Chief of the political department of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Farouq Al-Qaddoumi, who is based in exile in Tunis, took over the chairmanship of Fatah after Arafat.

The 129-member Revolutionary Council elects the Central Committee.

"It's time for Fatah to set the date for elections and practice democracy," said Abbas Zaki, a member of the Central Committee. "This will contribute to the unity of the movement as well."

Similarly Ahmed Ghneim, another member of the Revolutionary Council, said that "setting a date for the conference is a step of utmost importance," because: "It would be the first ever meeting that would bring together all generations of Fatah and it should give a chance to the younger generation to join decision-making bodies."

PLO Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Acting President Rawhi Fattouh and Prime Minister Ahmad Qurei attended and addressed the RC session, paying tribute to Arafat and highlighting the realization of his goals, while concentrating on the peaceful and democratic transition and exchange of power.

The RC reaffirmed Fatah's commitment to national unity and urged continuation of the national dialogue among all Palestinian factions on the basis of the national consensus program that was approved by the PLO National Council (parliament-in-exile).

Hamdan Aashour is the RC's secretary general. He opened the session, which was attended by 107 members out of 129. Twenty-one members were absent, including seven whom the IOF prevented from leaving the Gaza Strip to the West Bank.

The session's agenda included the Central Committee's report, presidential, legislative and municipal elections, enforcement of the RC's decisions on internal reforms especially those taken in its 17th and 23rd sessions, and the sixth conference of Fatah, Al-Quds reported.

105 members voted for Mahmud Abbas to be Fatah's candidate in January 9 presidential elections. Two members abstained.

The Council elected Al-Tayeb Abdul Rahim to chair a Fatah central committee to supervise the campaign for presidential elections.

The Revolutionary Council also recommended holding Palestinian legislative elections on 15 May 2005 and asked Acting President Fattouh to issue a decree to this end.

The Council decided also to form another Fatah central committee to supervise the legislative elections, and to approve a political platform for Fatah's candidates.

It recommended also that the Palestine National Authority (PNA) secures the right of Palestinian nationals abroad to vote in Palestinian elections.

Palestinians last elected a president and parliament in 1996, Al-Quds daily said Sunday in a review of the RC's decisions.

Internally the Council decided to convene Fatah's 6th conference on 4 August 2005, to form a committee to prepare for the conference, and to convene grass root local meetings to elect delegates to the general conference.

It decided also to appoint a spokesperson for Fatah.

It recommended another committee to write the movement's history and the struggle of Yaser Arafat.

The council members recommended also that Fatah's members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) to credit Palestinian women with a quota in legislative and local polls.

Meanwhile, unifying groups operating under Fatah's banner to curb factional infighting and centralize decision-making will be among the changes to be taken by Fatah before the 6th conference.

Palestinian Preventive Security chief in the Gaza Strip Brig. Gen. Rashid Abu Shbak said he would abolish the 70-person Gaza Security and Protections unit and announced the creation of a committee within Fatah to merge its armed militias, including the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades.

Acting President Fattouh had already decreed to unify all the Palestinian security agencies under the mandate of the Prime Minister, who chairs the Palestinian National Security Council (NSC).

Meanwhile Participants at the 2nd conference on Islamic and ‏ ‏Christian Holy Sites Protection welcomed the Kuwait-based Islamic International Charitable Organization's hosting of its third session to be held next year.‏ ‏

The second session has concluded with a number of recommendations which aim at protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites and ‏exposing the Israeli massacres and hostile practices.‏

Board member of the Islamic International Charitable Organization (IICO) ‏and head of the Palestine committee, Nader Al-Nouri told Kuwait News Agency ‏ (KUNA) the IICO will host the next conference in cooperation with the Islamic ‏Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).‏

This session of the conference called for the production of documentaries to expose the Israeli practices and for exerting efforts to bolster Islamic-Christian consolidation.‏ ‏

The participants also called for an Islamic-Christian dialogue and invited the International community and the human rights groups and organizations to press on the Israeli government to stop the construction of the separating ‏wall on the Arab occupied territories. ‏ ‏

Participants have debated over the last three days the dangers of Judaizing ‏Islamic and Christian sites and areas in Palestine, and ways to activate ‏related charts and laws and the role of national, regional and international organizations in stopping the Israeli plans to Judaize Jerusalem.

The Second International Conference on "the Protection of Islamic Sanctities in Palestine" had started in the Jordanian capital. Delegations from several Arab and Muslim countries participated in the conference.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Tuwaijri, the Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) said that the opening session will discuss reports on the Islamic Sanctities in Palestine in the light of Jewish threats and aggressive acts. He affirmed the importance of enhancing the role of international, regional and national organizations in this field.

On the other hand on the 29th of December the United Nations today observed the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, with Secretary-General Kofi Annan urging the international community to renew its commitment to work for a "reinvigorated peace process" in the Middle East.

"Today, throughout the world, people hope that a new chance for peace may be around the corner," said Mr. Annan in remarks to a solemn meeting of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. "That opportunity must not be let pass."

Noting that over the past four years, bloodshed and chaos in the Middle East continued without respite, the Secretary-General said the Palestinians have endured a "dismal existence of grinding poverty and dispossession."

"But they have not been good years for Israelis either. They too have borne great loss. They too need security," he added.

Voicing his belief that the Road Map "still embodies a path to peace," Mr. Annan said he was hopeful that Israel's disengagement plan would help renew peace efforts leading to the end of the occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as the Gaza Strip, and paving the way for "a sovereign, democratic and contiguous Palestinian state, living side by side in peace with Israel."

He said the memory of Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat, who died earlier this month, should serve as an inspiration to unite and strengthen the Palestinian people in their efforts to realize their national aspirations to statehood and self-determination through peaceful means.

Nasser Al-Kidwa, the Permanent Observer for Palestine, read a message from Mahmoud Abbas, newly-appointed Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which stated that while the Palestinian people had experienced widespread sadness at the passing of Mr. Arafat, they and their leadership had responded to their tragic loss in a civilized, orderly manner with a smooth and peaceful transition of power.

The Committee's Chairman, Ambassador Paul Badji of Senegal, noted that although the State of Israel had been proclaimed without delay following the termination of the mandate for Palestine, the Arab State meant for the Palestinians had yet to come into existence. The Palestinian people had endured long years of warfare, expulsion and occupation, and it was President Arafat who had given them an identity that the world could no longer ignore.

The Committee also heard from General Assembly President Jean Ping of Gabon and the Security Council President for November, Ambassador John Danforth of the United States.

As part of the Day's activities, the Committee, in cooperation with the Palestinian Mission to the UN, organized a cultural exhibit entitled "Steadfast in Palestine." It also arranged for the screening of two films entitled "In the Name of Security" and "The Wall."

On the other hand UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has laid a wreath at the grave of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Mr Straw was meeting Palestinian leaders at their headquarters in the occupied West Bank, following talks in Israel.

He has offered Britain's help in ensuring a smooth succession to Arafat. He earlier said solving the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is his priority.

Mr Straw's visit to the region continues the work started by US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

He offered practical help with security including extra equipment and advisors to make the police more effective.

Mr Straw was offering to send British election monitors, a move welcomed in meetings with the Israeli leadership.

His counterpart Silvan Shalom told Mr Straw Israel would do all it could to facilitate the leadership elections.

Speaking of the conflict Mr Straw said: "Its effect is so powerful, not just in the Middle East but around the whole Islamic world, that solving it satisfactorily would be a huge prize.

"It is the engine of so much trouble around the world."

Mr Straw would continue a first-hand assessment of prospects for cautious progress in advance of a visit which Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to make next month, he added.

Mr Blair has promised to do all he can to help set the Middle East peace process back on track.

Meanwhile Israel's rerouted barrier will cut through eight percent of the West Bank, less than half of what was originally planned, after a court ruling to minimise hardships to Palestinians, sources said.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has approved a revised route for the barrier, condemned by Palestinians and by the United Nation's highest court, but which Israel says it needs to keep suicide bombers from reaching its cities.

The planned 600 km (360 mile)-long barrier of cement wall, razor wire-tipped electronic fences and trenches was rerouted after Israel's Supreme Court ordered adjustments last June to minimise land confiscations from Palestinians.

The barrier had initially been planned to snake deep into the West Bank and loop around numerous Jewish settlements.

The new route takes in fewer settlements and will follow more closely the "green line" which delineates the frontier on the eve of the 1967 Middle East war when Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the sources said.

Under the new route about 400,000 dunams (100,000 acres) of West Bank land would be cordoned off from the rest of the occupied territory, instead of 900,000 dunams (225,000 acres).

This would mean that eight percent of the West Bank would be cut off from the rest of the territory, the sources said.

Palestinians say that tens of thousands of villagers caught on the Israeli side of the barrier would be cut off from relatives, farmland, hospitals and schools.

The Israeli decision came as Palestinian leaders took tentative steps to coax militants to suspend attacks on Israel ahead of a Jan. 9 poll in Palestinian territories to elect a successor to Yasser Arafat who died on Nov. 11.

Sharon has suggested he would ease other restrictions. In an interview with Newsweek at the weekend he pledged balloting could be held "with as little interference as possible" and that Israeli troops would stay away from Palestinian towns.

Israel has said that the barrier judged illegal by the UN's International Court of Justice in July was a temporary security measure. Only about a third has been built since construction began in 2003. Palestinian leaders have denounced the barrier as a grab for land they want for a state promised by the U.S.-backed road map peace plan.

Israeli President Moshe Katsav, a member and former cabinet minister of Sharon's Likud party, made a surprise appeal last week for Israel to halt construction of the barrier if a lasting ceasefire could be reached with the Palestinians.

Katsav, whose post is largely ceremonial, told the Maariv newspaper the barrier cost Israel "a lot of money and creating international pressure and legal problems."