Thursday, Dec 09, 2004
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By Atul Aneja
MANAMA, DEC. 8. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has arrived at an agreement with Israel over arrangements for a fair and free presidential election on January 9, amid signs that a ceasefire might be reached soon. The Palestinian Cabinet Minister, Saeb Erakat, said the agreement governed the principles of elections for President following the death of Yasser Arafat last month. "We received assurances that the elections of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip will take place as they did in 1996," he said. "I am satisfied with that. I am happy." During those elections, East Jerusalem residents voted at five polling stations in the area, after their votes were designated as absentee ballots.
Significant progress
Israel's Haaretz daily quoted a senior official as saying that an agreement had been reached in principle. "That [1996] would be the model. There would be adjustments and changes, but that would be the model." Egypt's official news agency MENA reported that international efforts to end Israeli-Palestinian violence had made significant progress. The report said the European Union and the U.S. were supporting steps leading to ceasefire. "High-level sources confirmed an important understanding — reaching the point of an agreement in principle — has been completed between Egypt, Israel, the Palestinians and several active international parties, America and Europe, regarding a comprehensive settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian struggle," MENA said. It said officials expected "preparations [for a plan of action] would take place until July, after which political action will begin." This could be followed by an "important political conference in Washington." Palestinian officials said the PA and the militants were also close to an understanding on a ceasefire, but more talks were needed. Israel termed the report "a little premature," but said it would respond positively if militants ceased attacks.
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