PA minister: Reopen Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem

Looking towards the Annapolis peace conference, PA's information minister outlines Palestinian demands for fulfilling the Road Map

Ali Waked|Published: 11.19.07 , 18:04

Palestinian Authority Information Minister Riad El Malki said Monday afternoon that the Palestinians would demand at Annapolis that Israel reopen Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem under the framework of phase one of the Road Map.

In a press conference following a meeting of the Palestinian cabinet, the minister said that the Palestinians are upholding their commitments to the Road Map and are currently implementing a security strategy aimed at eliminating anarchy in the West Bank.

"In exchange for this action on our part, we are planning to demand at Annapolis the reopening of Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem in accordance with the obligations contained in phase one of the Road Map," the minister said.

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El Malki added that the Palestinians would also ask for what he called a "serious and meaningful" prisoner release and an immediate halt to all building activity in the Israeli settlements.

"If we are ready for the possibility that all obligations and progress tied to the Road Map – like the prisoners and the opening of PA institutions in Jerusalem – will be fulfilled only in a gradual manner, then we will demand an immediate halt to all building activity in the Israeli settlements."

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The PA minister further emphasized that the two sides have yet to agree on a joint-statement to be read at Annapolis.

According to El Malki, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet at week's end with Arab foreign ministers to formulate a unified Arab stance before the summit. The minister concluded his remarks by saying that negotiations are ongoing and that the PA sees Annapolis as a most important opportunity for the renewal of ties between the Palestinians and Israelis.