Tuesday, Nov 23, 2004
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By Atul Aneja
RAMALLAH, NOV. 22. The United States Secretary of State, Colin Powell, has held discussions with Israeli and Palestinian leaders aimed at facilitating the conduct of free and fair elections for the post of Palestinian President on January 9. Mr. Powell met the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, in Jerusalem and later flew to Jericho for talks with the new head of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), Mahmoud Abbas. "This is a moment of opportunity ... The big step ahead of us now is to assist the Palestinian people getting ready for the election," he told reporters aboard his plane.
Visit significant
Speaking to The Hindu earlier, the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Nabeel Shaath, said Mr. Powell's visit was being taken "very seriously" as it followed certain positive developments. He pointed out that there was "a feeling that the visit to Washington by (British Prime Minister) Tony Blair was significant" in regard to the Israel-Palestinian issue.
`Israel ready to back down'
Besides, William Burns, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near-Eastern Affairs, prior to Mr. Powell's arrival in Jericho, had also conveyed during his talks with Palestinian officials that the Israelis were now "willing to go back" and take a fresh look at the stalled peace process. Mr. Shaath, however, said there was nothing on the ground to show a change in the Israeli approach. The Palestinian side, was, nevertheless not prejudging the situation. He said the conduct of free and fair presidential polls was of top-most importance. This required enforcement of certain immediate steps including the "Israeli withdrawal from our cities and villages". Such a step, he stressed, would have far-reaching consequences. For instance, it would ease hardships and open the door for cementing a ceasefire. "We would be capable of enforcing ceasefire once the Israelis enforce it for their side. Don't forget that our side is also engaged in a dialogue with factions." The emergence of a durable ceasefire would be the key step in the revival of the peace process with Israel, he said.
Egypt's role
Acknowledging the need for streamlining the Palestinian security apparatus, Mr. Shaath said the Egyptians could play an important role in this exercise. "We would very much appreciate a role by them (Egyptians)." The Palestinian side was still awaiting fresh dates for the visit of the Egyptian Foreign Minister and the intelligence chief, which was scheduled earlier.
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