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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: michael97123 who wrote (157206)	1/27/2005 3:01:53 PM
From: Nadine Carroll	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

Maybe there is some hope for the hudna. Having a Pal leader whose word is not worthless would be a pleasant change: "There is no doubt Abu Mazen [Abbas] has started to work," Sharon was quoted as saying in the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot. "I am very satisfied with what I am hearing is happening on the Palestinian side and I am very interested in advancing processes with him." The developments signaled the possibility of a new era of Israeli-Palestinian relations, and among the Palestinians themselves. In the Yediot interview, Sharon said he would not stop all Israeli military operations for the time being, but would make gestures toward the new Palestinian leader. He did not elaborate. "I intend to advance the chance for an opportunity for an agreement with the Palestinians, I intend to make gestures toward Abu Mazen and at the same time keep my eyes open and examine the situation on their side," Sharon said. In Wednesday's diplomatic meeting, Palestinian negotiators proposed a joint cease-fire declaration, Erekat said. Israeli officials have said in the past they are not interested in such a formal declaration. The Palestinians are reluctant to declare a truce unilaterally, without U.S.-backed guarantees that Israel will halt military operations and a formal Israeli commitment to a truce. Erekat said his Israeli counterparts agreed to consider the idea of a declaration. "They [the Israelis] did not reject this. They will give us the final answer next week," he said. The internationally backed "road map" peace plan requires both sides to issue end-of-violence declarations. The plan never got off the ground, but there are renewed hopes it can be revived. Abbas was asked Thursday about reports that he is seeking a cease-fire declaration within two weeks. "We are very interested in the issue of the cease-fire, and the issue of a declaration of a cease-fire, and we've informed the Israelis of this, and the Israelis have to respond quickly and not wait for another two or three weeks," Abbas said. "Such an issue cannot bear waiting." He spoke to reporters Thursday, before leaving the West Bank for visits to Jordan, Egypt, Switzerland, Russia and Turkey. Sharon spokesman Asaf Shariv said Israel is examining the Palestinian proposals. "I don't know if a cease-fire is the right wording," he said. "If there is quiet on the Palestinian side, Israel will respond with quiet." jpost.com