The White House backed Thursday Israel's policy towards the Palestinian Authority.
"The president understands the reason that Israel has taken the action that it takes, and it is up to Chairman Arafat to demonstrate the leadership to combat terrorism," spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters at an informal morning briefing. "It is a threat not only to Israel, but to Chairman Arafat," he said.
"The president continues to believe that it is incumbent on Chairman Arafat to do more, take more steps, and show with action that he is committed to eliminating terrorism and combating it wherever it exists," Fleischer said. "And," the spokesman said, "the president thinks the parties still have to be committed to finding a way to achieve peace."
U.S-PA Ties
Meanwhile, it is reported that the United States is in the process of reassessing its relations with the Palestinian Authority and Washington's involvement in the Middle East conflict. Discussions began Wednesday in the State Department and the White House National Security Council and a decision is expected by the weekend, according to the Tel Aviv-based Haaretz daily.
Citing Israeli government sources, the Bush administration is considering closing the office of the PLO in Washington, Israel Radio reported Thursday. According to this report, closing the Washington office is amongst a number of measures the American authorities are considering taking against the Palestinian Authority, in the aftermath of the Karine A weapons ship episode, seized by Israel on January 3. The US is also considering a freeze on financial aid to the Palestinian Authority.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat received a phone call on Wednesday from United States Secretary of State Colin Powell, according to WAFA. “President Arafat and Mr. Powell exchanged views on the current situation”, said Nabil Abu Redeneh, President Arafat’s advisor.
Arafat briefed Powell on the latest wave of Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territories, and asked for the U.S. envoy to the region, Anthony Zinni, to return. “Both had agreed to continue their contacts to be able to face the current incidents”, Abu Redeneh added.
Kaddoumi
In an interview to the Lebanese Daily Star newspaper, Farouk Kaddoumi, the head of the political department of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), conveyed “It is very unfortunate that the peace brokers have abandoned their role. The U.S. and Russia were supposed to do their duty so long as they undertook to sponsor the peace process”, and added “On the other hand, the U.S., as the world’s sole superpower and engaged in fighting terrorism, should prevent Israel from practicing state terrorism against the Palestinian people”.
On the issue of the Palestinian Authority, he remarked “If they [US] believe that the Palestinian population is going to surrender, they are very much mistaken. The Palestinian Authority was elected by the Palestinian people…[who] will continue to resist occupation despite world silence at its plight”.
Kaddoumi strongly stressed the importance of confronting the “Zionist enemy” and its “repressive measures”. “The process of resistance inevitably comes up against obstacles… More important is that people’s morale remains high, that they keep up the resistance”. “Our struggle with Israel is on behalf of the region as a whole. It is a struggle for Arab security and Arab destiny”.
Regarding relations between the West and Arab countries, he pointed out Baghdad’s stance, ”Iraqi people have been victims of daily U.S. aggression for over a decade now. Yet the Iraqi people and its leadership have been steadfast. We too must stand fast. It’s our duty”. He conveyed “It is also our destiny to defend Jerusalem. We can blame no one, yet we are sure that in the end, the Arabs will rise, and then Western interests will really be in trouble”.
With regards to Israel, he stated “There is no political process as such going on at the moment. Sharon has destroyed any chance for a political process.
He has forced the Palestinian people to look for methods other than dialogue to defend their rights and national interests”. “We have been retaliating to Sharon’s terrorism, using all the means at our disposal to defend our lives, our rights, and all that we hold sacred”, but added “we still believe that negotiations are the best way forward, because with the prevailing balance of power, we can never defeat Israel. Yet by resisting, we can force the Israelis to recognize our rights”.
Kaddoumi may possibly head the Palestinian delegation to the upcoming Arab Summit in Beirut, if President Yasser Arafat remains confined in Ramallah. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
