Hussein al-Sheikh, Fatah’s West Bank Secretary General on Thursday denied press reports that Yasser Arafat had ordered Palestinian security forces to arrest him. He also rejected reports about his retirement from his post.
Speaking to Albawaba over the phone, al-Sheikh said "These reports are baseless and I am still in my place." He added that such a report, published in the London-based Al Quds Al Arabi newspaper, was part of the attempts made by "certain elements" to stop him from criticizing the "negative phenomenas" in the Palestinian Authority.
"This will not terrorize me from telling the truth. In these conditions, where the Palestinian people is sacrificing their lives in the fight against the occupation, no one can stop me from saying the truth," al-Sheikh added.
He confirmed there were disputes among the leadership of Fatah, but he described them as "natural." The Fatah leader said he has "good" relations with Arafat "the leader of
the Palestinian people."
Al Quds Al Arabi newspaper said Arafat ordered the arrest of al-Sheikh after the latter blamed some Fatah officials of being involved in corruption. The report mentioned also that Fatah decided to appointment Mohammed
Lutfi (Abu Lutfi), member of the Movement's supreme committee instead of al-Sheikh. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
