Israel to allow PA to attend London talks on reform
By Amos Harel and Aluf Benn, Haaretz Correspondents, Haaretz Service and News Agencies
Following increased pressure from Washington, Israel decided Saturday to allow a Palestinian Authority delegation to attend talks in London this week, initiated by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on reforms within the PA.
About a month ago, Israel prevented a PA delegation from attending similar talks following a double suicide bombing near the old central bus station in south Tel Aviv in which 21 were killed. The U.S. apparently called on Israel to allow a delegation to attend, but Israel did not comply with the request. The talks went ahead, with a video link to the Palestinian delegation in Ramallah to enable them to participate in the proceedings in London.
PA cabinet minister Saeb Erekat and PA negotiator Yasser Abed Rabbo are expected to represent the Palestinians.
Two other meetings on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict are scheduled to take place in London this week. "Quartet" representatives (U.S., Russia, EU and UN) will discuss the "road map" plan for peace, while donor states will discuss international aid to the PA |
