The Hindu : Decks cleared for W. Asia talks

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 10, 2003

International

International

Decks cleared for W. Asia talks

By Atul Aneja

MANAMA (Bahrain) March 9. In preparing for a future dialogue, Israel today hoped that Mahmoud Abbas, who has been nominated as Prime Minister by the Palestinian Authority will emerge as a leader with real powers. Israel's Defence Minister, Shaul Mofaz, in an interview to Israel Radio hoped that Mr. Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen and second in command after the Palestinian head Yasser Arafat will lead the Palestinians " in another direction."

The Israelis blame Mr. Arafat for choosing the second Palestinian uprising or Intifada, over the peace process that was active nearly three years ago. The Israeli Government headed by Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, and the Bush administration had therefore decided not to deal with Mr. Arafat during future negotiations. Consequently, a blue print drawn by the United States, envisaged that serious negotiations aimed at the creation of an independent Palestinian State with fixed borders in 2005 should begin when a powerful, but moderate Prime Minister was appointed, while Mr. Arafat assumed the figurehead role of President.

The Palestinian legislature is expected to appoint Mr. Abbas as Prime Minister on Monday, though the Palestinian leader has not yet confirmed whether he would accept the new post. Analysts point out that Mr. Abbas' likely appointment is part of a phased plan to unroll serious negotiations aimed at the creation of an independent Palestinian state after ensuring that Israeli security and national interests are fully safeguarded.

The Bush administration's plan crossed a key benchmark after Mr. Sharon was elected Prime Minister with a stable majority in Israel's elections in January. Despite the opposition labour party not joining the new Israeli administration in a national unity government, Mr. Sharon has enough seats with him to negotiate seriously with the Palestinians without yielding to the pressure from the Israeli ultra-right that is opposed to talks.

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