Jerusalem cannot be discussed, Yishai tells Rice
Industry, trade and labor minister meets with US secretary of state, presents her with coalition members' varied stances regarding Annapolis conference. 'We cannot sign an agreement with 40% of the Palestinians,' he says. Rice: Annapolis conference will deal with core issues
The two held a very tense meeting in Jerusalem, which brought to the surface the deep gaps between the leaders of the negotiations with the Palestinians in the Israeli government and the opposition within the coalition.
"Thirty years ago, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef issued a brave and unprecedented halachic ruling of territory for peace, with real Israeli concessions. But these concessions must be made when we have a real partner which is capable of controlling its people. This is not the situation now with Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
"Today we have a Palestinian Authority with two heads. It is impossible to sign an agreement with only 40% of the Palestinian people. We need a real reinforcement, rather than a virtual one. Only an economic conference can bolster Abu Mazen."
Yishai added that the Annapolis conference must lead to diplomatic negotiations.
"If the parties return with a signed agreement, this could shock the government and cause it to collapse. And I am talking as a man who seeks peace and longs for peace," the minister said.
Rice rejected the offer to hold an economic conference, saying that "we are at the critical stage of implementing President George Bush's vision to create a quiet and calm region here.
"We also have a vision of a Jewish and democratic country. President Bush is a true friend of Israel, particularly during the hard times. We have common enemies.
"I am convinced that the Palestinians need an independent country. The Annapolis conference will discuss the core issues, but the negotiations will be held in a direct manner.
"The international community will not serve as an alternative for real negotiations. We have reached the time of making decision, and I promise that Israel will not be faced with any surprises at the conference," she concluded.
A calmer atmosphere
Earlier Sunday, the US secretary of state met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his deputy Matan Vilnai. Despite the pleasant atmosphere, Barak stressed that "Israel's security freedom of operation in the Judea and Samaria territories is a basic principle which must be maintained in the future."
The defense minister briefed Rice on the defense establishment's plans to remove a permanent West Bank roadblock. He also told her that the Palestinians have yet to complete the deployment of 500 police officers in the city of Nablus during daylight hours, following an agreement reached during Rice's previous visit to the region.
Barak welcomed Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's appointment as head of the negotiations team with the Palestinians.
"This is a good and appropriate appointment. Livni seeks peace and is also clear on the State of Israel's interests. This will help advance the negotiations in a serious manner."
