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Politics : War -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: chalu2 who wrote (9752)	12/10/2001 2:56:32 PM
From: Nadine Carroll	Respond to of 23908

From the EU, this is new and different: (19:15) EU to Arafat: Dismantle Hamas and Islamic Jihad By Paul Ames, The Associated Press BRUSSELS, Belgium - Toughening of its line on Palestinian attacks on Israel, the European Union told Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat today to dismantle "the terrorist networks" of Palestinian radical groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad and declare an end to the violent uprising against Israel. The statement from the 15-member bloc represented an unprecedented call from the EU, which is frequently criticized by Israeli officials for taking a pro-Palestinian stance. "The following commitments must be taken ... the dismantlement of the terrorist networks Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including the arrest and prosecution of all suspects; a public appeal in Arabic proclaiming the end to the armed intifada," the statement said. However, French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine insisted the EU was not siding with Israel. He pointed to parts of the statement which urged the Israeli government to halt military operations against the PA. "The Israeli government [must] withdraw its military forces and stop extra-judicial executions; lift the [economic] blockade and all restrictions inflicted on the Palestinian territories; freeze settlements," the EU said. The statement was issued after the EU foreign ministers met separately with Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath to discuss a way out of the latest flare-up of violence in the Middle East. There was little sign of progress at the meetings, and Shaath said he had no plans for face-to-face talks with Peres. Shaath told a news conference there could be "no way out" of the current violence unless Prime Minister Ariel Sharon agreed to work with Arafat to seek peace. Responding to the EU's demands, Shaath reiterated the PA condemnation of recent suicide attacks on Israeli civilians, but he said the Palestinian authorities had a "sacred right to self defense against occupation." He said the EU had come under pressure from the United States and Israel to adopt its statement, but added that the Palestinians "still feel that the European Union is a very important partner in the peace process." Peres said the EU statement was "balanced" although he gave no indication Israel was prepared to carry out the EU demands saying military action was needed to prevent attacks on Israelis. "It's very easy for countries that don't have the same problems to give advice," he told a news conference. "We are a government that must look after the lives of our citizens." Despite expressing little hope of a breakthrough, the EU was stepping up diplomatic drive to seek a cease-fire. Javier Solana, the Union's foreign policy representative, was to head to the region later today to coordinate efforts with US envoy Anthony Zinni. EU officials said Solana would also meet Tuesday with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Arafat. "The goal of the EU is to get both sides back around the negotiating table," Verhofstadt told reporters. "This can only be achieved through a reduction in violence." Verhofstadt told the Israelis they had to deal with Arafat. "It would not be a good thing to try and resolve the crisis without the current leadership," Verhofstadt said. Peres said Israel "does not intend to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, nor do we intend to topple Mr. Arafat." International efforts to end 15 months of renewed violence were derailed just over a week ago when suicide bombers killed almost 30 Israelis, prompting Israeli air strikes against Palestinian security installations. The EU has been seeking to use its economic role as Israel's biggest trade partner and the largest aid donor to the Palestinians to urge moderation on both sides, but with little success.