The Hindu : International : U.S. to send peace monitors to West Asia

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Tuesday, Feb 08, 2005

International

International

U.S. to send peace monitors to West Asia

By Atul Aneja

MANAMA, FEB. 7. The U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, ended her visit to Israel and the West Bank today, after stating that a "security coordinator" was being appointed for the region and pledging a $40-million aid package for the Palestinian Authority.

Dr. Rice, accompanied by the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, said at a news conference in Ramallah that the U.S. would also send peace monitors, signalling Washington's intent to get actively involved in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Earlier, Dr. Rice had told CNN, "If there can be a period of calm in which there is no fighting, the most important elements will be to have some monitoring of that situation". A CIA-led group was in the past involved in a monitoring mission, but withdrew in 2003 after three Americans were killed in Gaza.

Dr. Rice reiterated that the U.S. was committed to Palestinian independence.

"Don't undermine him"

Mr. Abbas, on his part, said Palestinians were abiding by their commitments under the internationally-backed "roadmap for peace," and "we hope the Israeli side will do the same."

Asked whether the unofficial ceasefire undertaken by militants would last, he said: "I believe everyone is committed to this ceasefire and they showed this in the past few days."

During talks with the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, Dr. Rice said Israelis must do their bit to support Mr. Abbas. She said Israeli leaders must convey to the Palestinians that non-violence produces results. "Don't undermine him," she warned, while referring to the PA President.

Besides, Dr. Rice stressed that the Israelis must not take any steps to change the situation in East Jerusalem — the area occupied by Israel from Jordan in 1967, and which the Palestinians see as their future capital. Mr. Sharon, in his response, stressed that Israel would give Mr. Abbas a chance, but his country's response in the future would depend on how effectively the Palestinian leader worked to ensure Israeli security. Mr. Sharon said he would not be satisfied with a ceasefire alone. The Palestinians, he emphasised, must take action to dismantle militant groups and the infrastructure that generates violence.

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