'Israel undermining peace process'
PA prime minister attacks Israel for undermining peace process; accusations come amid tensions created by Abbas' announcement to free Zeevi assassins
The accusations came amid tensions that followed Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas’ announcement Tuesday. Abbas had said earlier that the assassinators of late tourism minister Rehavam Zeevi would be released after Palestinians assume control of Jericho.
Abbas said that Ahmed Sadaat, the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) who is believed to have ordered the assassination of then-tourism minister, and Fuad Shubeiki, an aide to the late Yasser Arafat accused of involvement in the Karine A weapons-smuggling affair in 2002, would be released after the handover.
Sources at the prime minister’s office warned that if the two were released they would be captured immediately by Israeli forces and brought to an Israeli jail.
Qureia said the Palestinian question is going through a decisive and dangerous period. He added that this has resulted from Israel’s policies despite the contacts and reports on progress being made on the transfer of security control in the West Bank cities.
Qureia, who addressed the press in Ramallah said Israel’s policies are designed to unilaterally determine the borders of the Palestinian state.
According to Qureia, despite Palestinian efforts to maintain calm and advance the political process “Israel is continuing its dangerous policies.” And this is putting the peace process at risk.
“While the Palestinian Authority is making an effort to maintain order and security on the ground according to the guidelines set out by the internationally brokered road map, Israel is continuing to take extreme measures, which are undermining the political process.”
He added that announcements made by senior Israeli officials on the separation fence are an unacceptable attempt by Israel to delineate unilateral borders between the two sides.
The Palestinian prime minister also accused Israel of not implementing the Sharm el-Sheikh understandings and continuing to build the fence and settlements.
He noted that Israel is avoiding withdrawal from Palestinian cities and release of prisoners, and is not ensuring the safety of Palestinian activists, particularly those on Israel’s wanted list.
“They are threatening our Jerusalem,” Qureia said
Jericho handover
Meanwhile, Palestinian Interior Minister Nasser Yousef met with the American security envoy William Ward in Ramallah.
Yousef updated Ward on the security preparations being made by the Authority ahead of assuming control over a number of Palestinian cities, initially Jericho which is set to be handed over to the Palestinian control on Wednesday.
