AUGUST 2000
Thursday August 31, 2000
President Yasser Arafat met in Alexandria city yesterday with his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak to discuss the current peace efforts and the outcome of President Clinton's visit to Egypt. The Psalestinian leadr said in a press statement upon his arrival at Gaza International Airport that the Palestinian - American consultations are still continuing to advance the stalled peace talks and described his meeting as important and essential.
The two leaders dicussed as well the positive results of the Jerusalem Committee meeting held in Agadir, Morrocco early this week. In Cairo, the Egyptian FM Amr Mosa said there are differences in the Eygiptian and American points of view regarding Jerusalem.
He also denied press reports circulated by the Israeli media about an Egyptian proposal to put Islamic and Jewish religious shrines under international sovereignty and to keep East Jerusalem open for future talks.
He described the reports groundless and fabricated adding Jerusalem is subjected to UN Resolutions and there will be no concessions on East Jerusalem, which will be the capital of the Palestinian State.
President Arafat also turned down a proposal to mandate the UN Security Council to administer Jerusalem's Old City. This proposal was made to narrow the gap between the Palestinian and Israeli positions, but President Arafat insisted on full Palestinian sovereignty over East Jerusalem.
In another statement, the PNA Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr Nabil Shaath denied any international Egyptian plan to resolve the Jerusslaem issue. He elaborated there is only options and formulas, but there is no integrated plan over Jerusalem from the Egyptian government.
He said Presidnt Mubarak proposed some Egyptian ideas to advance the peace process.
On the other hand, Dr Shaath said nine European states expressed readiness to recognnize the Palestinian state when declared either on Sept.13 or at any other date.
Wednesday August 30, 2000
President Yasser Arafat met with his Tunissian cuonterpart Zein Abden Ibn Ali in Tunisia yesterday to brief him on the outcome of the Jerusalem Committeee recent meeting in Agadir, Morocco.
The two leaders discussed the latest developments on the Palestinian track. President Arafat described the statement isssued by the Jerusallem Committee as " strong". He added " we need more support at this particular stage."
The President spoke about Israeli attempts to judize Jerusalem to change the geographic and demographic character of the Holy City. For his part, the Tunisian president renewed his support to the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
President Arafat also met with President Omar of Mali and discussed with him the Middle East Peace Process and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The Palestinian leader will arrive in Egypt today for talks with President Mubarak after his summit with President Clinton held at Cairo International Airport yesterday.
During the said summit, President Mubarak and President Clinton also discussed the prospects of reviving peace talks on the Syrian track.
According to statements made by Egyptian FM Amr Musa and US envoy Dennis Ross the ideas discussed by President Clinton and Mubarak were not sufficient to pave the way for holding a second summit Between Arafat and Barak.
The Olmert municipality yesterday demolished three Palestinian homes in Shaufat refugee camp north of Jerusalem under the excuse of being built without a building permit.
Simultaneously, Israel is allowing Jewish settlers at the settlement of Pisgat Ze've located close to the Palestinian refugee camp to expand construction at the expense of Palestinian land.
The three houses are owned by Ismael Ahmed, Ibrahim Alkam and Mohammed Abu Ghaleyeh.
In a separate incident, a Jewish settler stabbed a Palestinian taxi driver in East Jerusalem. The driver was admitted to hospital and his condition was described " critical".
Tuesday August 29, 2000
President Arafat described Jerusalem City in an inauguration speech of the 18th round of the Jerusalem committee, as the key to peace and war in the Middle East.
He said Jerusalem is in the innermost of our feeling, the feeling of the Palestinian people and the feelings of all Arabs, Muslims and Christians in the world.
It is the core of the Palestinian issue and the most dangerous and sensitive of all issues. He added, "we will defend the return of Al-Quds to its legitimate owners and there will be no peace and stability in the region if it does not return to its legitimate owners. This is a red line which can not be crossed."
For the first time, the delegation of six envoys from Christian churches took part in the Jerusalem Committee meeting. Attalah Hannah, head of the delegation said: "Al-Quds is an Arab and Palestinian city with its holy shrines."
Saudi FM Prince Saud Faisal said: "the meeting serves to reaffirm the need to preserve the Arab and Islamic character of Jerusalem."
Monday August 28, 2000
President Arafat holds important talks in Madrid en route to Morocco
President Arafat held important talks in Madrid yesterday with Spanish PM Khose Marriya while en route to Morocco to attend a meeting of the Jerusalem committee opening today.
The two leaders discussed the latest developments in the peace process. President Arafat hailed the support rendered to the Palestinian people by Spain and Europe.
For his part, the Spanish PM asked President Arafat to delay the state declaration while reiterating his government recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to declare statehood.
In Morocco, President Arafat will attend the meetings of the Jerusalem Committee and is expected to ask the meeting to support the Palestinian position on Jerusalem.
Israel rejects the Egyptian proposals over Jerusalem
Acting Israeli FM Shlomo Ben Ami said yesterday; "His government will not accept the Egyptian proposal to solve the Jerusalem issue." According to news reports, Egypt proposed on both sides to stop claiming sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque and for it to be exclusively administrated by the Muslim wakf (religious affairs authority).
Palestinian sources said the Palestinian side would submit its proposal on Jerusalem to President Clinton during the next meeting between President Arafat and Clinton.
Jewish settlers set 200 olive trees on fire
For the second time in less than three months Jewish settlers set on fire about 200 olive trees owned by brothers Fathi and Monther Salman from Derestia village northwest of Salfit city.
Three months ago the settlers of 'Ravava" settlement illegally built on confiscated Arab land, set on fire three dunums planted with Olive Tress owned by Mashni family from the same village.
Sunday August 27, 2000
President Arafat will ask President Clinton to hoist the American flag over the American embassy in Arab East Jerusalem, capital of Palestine
President Arafat said in Alexandria yesterday following an important meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak over the future of Jerusalem: "I will ask president Clinton to hoist the American flag over the American Embassy in Jerusalem the capital of the Palestinian State."
When asked what are you going to ask President Clinton when you meet him on the fringe of the UN meeting, the President said: "To hoist the flag of his country on the American embassy in Arab East Jerusalem the capital of Palestine.
Three Israeli soldiers killed in an armed attack near Nablus
About three hundred Israeli soldiers escorted by helicopters launched an attack against Assera Al-shmaleia village at 10:30 p.m. yesterday to arrest Hamas activist Hasan Hnood described by Israel the most dangerous and number one on the list of wanted by Israel. According to Palestinian sources, three Israeli soldiers where killed and about ten others wounded in clashes with Hamas activists in the village of Asera Shamaleia. The city is classified area B -under Israeli security control - and Palestinian administrative control.
Saturday August 26, 2000
President Yasser Arafat receives the Foreign Minister of Norway and the Patriarch of Greece in Bethlehem
President Arafat held two separate meetings in Bethlehem city yesterday with the FM of Norway and the Patriarch of the Greece Church discussing the ongoing developments in the peace process and efforts exerted to advance the stalled peace talks. President Arafat hailed the role of the Norwegian government in motivating the peace process and urged the Norwegian FM to keep on this positive role.
For his part, the Norwegian FM said there is a possibility to advance the peace talks, as there are some ideas to be discussed.
The Palestinian leadership rejects any Israeli presence in East Jerusalem
The Palestinian leadership confirmed during its weekly cabinet meeting held yesterday its opposition to any form of Israeli presence or sovereignty in Arab East Jerusalem and renewed its commitment to the return of Palestinian sovereignty over the Holy City.
The Palestinian leadership denied any positive change in the Israeli position asking Barak's government to implement UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.
Thursday August 24, 2000
President Arafat receives the Turkish Foreign Minister in Gaza
President Arafat received at his office in Gaza City last night Turkey's FM Ismail Jim and discussed with him the obstacles laid by Israel in the way of the Middle East Peace Process, particularly, the Jerusalem issue.
Jim pointed out the Turkish point of view towards Jerusalem confirming that Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusive property for the Islamic world and that his country will continue its serious efforts for the resumption of peace talks on the Palestinian track.
President Arafat hailed the Turkish government's support to the peace process and the rights of the Palestinian people.
The Italian Consul General affirms: the Palestinian State will become a reality
The Italian Consul General to Jerusalem hailed in an interview with a daily newspaper Al-Quds the strong relations between the Italian and the Palestinian peoples.
On his country's positions regarding the declaration of the Palestinian State, The Consul said: "it goes in cohesion with the EU position", adding: "the Palestinian state will be a reality".
Wednesday August 23, 2000
President Yasser Arafat held important talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan during which the two leaders discussed the current Peace Process following the collapse of the Camp David summit.
They called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions that call on Israel to withdraw from all occupied Arab territories including Arab East Jerusalem.
President Arafat updated his guest with the outcome of his recent tours to Arab, Islamic and European capitals. For his part, the Jordanian Monarch reiterated his government's support to the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people including the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital. He said: "Jordan rejects any Israeli sovereignty over the holy shrines in Jerusalem since they are Arab and Islamic shrines."
The Jordanian FM Minister Abdulelah el-Khateeb said that the King's visit to Ramallah goes in line with supporting the Palestinian people and advancing the peace talks.
The head of the Maps Department at the Orient House in Jerusalem Khalil Tufakji said that the so-called Olmert Municipality grants building permits to the Israeli settlers in Jerusalem, in such a way that exceeds those given by the Israeli government. Tufakgi pointed out that the situation in the West Bank is as grim as that in Jerusalem.
The Israeli government is doing its best to build in three main settlement blocks: the first lies in south of Nablus, the second is in the Latron and the third is in Gosh Etzion. These settlement blocks, said Tufakji, will include 70 % of the West Bank settlements and will accommodate 80% of the Israeli settlers.
Tuesday August 22, 2000
In Ramallah, President Arafat received yesterday at his office, the US peace envoy, Dennis Ross, and discussed with him all developments ensuing the Camp David summit and the current impasse in the peace talks due to obstacles laid down by Barak's government, especially, its reluctance to carry out previous agreements.
Palestinian political sources said that President Arafat will meet Ross again during the next few days. Ross described the Camp David summit 'important'. He said there are certain differences, which can be patched up.
In Alexandria, Presidents Arafat and Mubarak reviewed all offers due to be discussed with Israel. Egyptian FM Amr Mousa said President Arafat will return shortly to Egypt to complete the discussion.
More than 800 Muslims and Christians jointly marched to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, in resposne to calls made by religious bodies in Jerusalem to work for and stay watchful for Al-Aqsa. These bodies also warned against the American and Israeli initiatives calling for an Israeli sovereignty over the holy shrines of Jerusalem.
The Israeli police responded violently and attacked the participants and injured many of them.
Monday August 21, 2000
Today marks the 31st anniversary of the arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque when extremists religious Jew set the holy mosque on fire Statements were issued by various Palestinian institutes, religious and political parties condemning the heinous act of setting the Aqsa Mosque on fire back on August 21st 1969. The statements recalled this arson which was one of the worst atrocities perpetrated by the Israeli occupation authority against the Palestinian individuals and their properties since June 1967.
After occupying the Holy City in June 1967, the ongoing Israeli governments: Labor and Likud, have been and still are relentlessly working to Juadize the Arab city and are still exercising inhuman acts against the Muslim and Christian shrines in defiance to all international laws and UN resolutions which call on Israel to withdraw from the Holy City of Jerusalem.
President Yasser Arafat met in Ramallah yesterday with the EU peace envoy to the Middle East Miguel Moratinus and Vasili Serdin, the Kremlin's envoy to the Middle East and updated them in two separate meetings on the latest developments in the Peace Process and the outcome of his latest tour to a number of Asian countries.
For his part, Moratinos renewed the EU's support for continual talks between the Palestinian and Israeli sides concerning the EU position towards this declaration of the Palestinian state, the European envoy said: our position remains the same as stated by the Berlin Declaration.
The Russian envoy confirmed discussing a number of ideas for possible solutions and he will discuss these ideas with the Israeli side, especially with PM Barak, within the next two days.
Sunday August 20, 2000
President Arafat stipulates ending the state of conflict with Israel hinges on resolving the Jerusalem Issue
President Yasser Arafat told reporters upon his arrival at Gaza International Airport from a tour to a number of Asian countries, that resolving the Jerusalem issue should be completed before ending the state of conflict with Israel. He said: " This is the most important issue and the most urgent demand put forward by the Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and Christians.
President Arafat's tour that included China, Japan, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh aimed at enlisting support for the Palestinian position.
In New Delhi, President Arafat said: " Holding an Islamic summit will enhance the Arabic and Islamic attitudes on Jerusalem". Concerning the possibility of holding another summit, President Arafat said: " Ask President Clinton".
Saturday August 19, 2000
President Arafat criticizes PM Barak
President Yasser Arafat criticized PM Barak of trying to have both peace and land in defiance to the working principle " Land for Peace". He also accused PM Barak of reneging on his commitments over Jerusalem and simultaneously asking for peace and land. He warned that the failure to solve the Palestinian problem will lead to an uncontrollable explosion in the Middle East, and added: "The Palestinians can not wait for ever to declare their state particularly as this declaration was postponed in May last year."
President Arafat's statement came in a joint press conference held with the Japanese PM in Tokyo yesterday. The Palestinian leader conferred with the Japanese FM to brief him on the ongoing developments in the Peace Process and the Palestinian positions on the issue of Jerusalem and the refugees.
For his part the Japanese PM warned against the serious consequences of a unilateral declaration of the Palestinian State.
On the other hand President Arafat held important talks in Dacca with the President of Bangladesh Shehab Eddein Ahmed and PM Sheikha Hosneieh updating them on the Palestinian position with regard to the issue of Jerusalem and the Palestinian refugees. Within this framework, the government of Bangladesh voiced its support to the declaration of the Palestinian State with Arab East Jerusalem as its capital.
Barak's government freezes development in East Jerusalem
Israeli sources reported that the present Israeli government has since its inauguration frozen all development plans for Arab East Jerusalem. As a result, the Arab Palestinian quarters have been left without the necessary services.
It was also pointed out that the Israeli government reduced the original budget allocated for the development of East Jerusalem from NIS 60 m to only NIS 18 m.
The Israeli newspaper published the following comparisons:
Thursday August 17, 2000
President Yasser Arafat said in a joint press conference held with his Indonesian counterpart in Jakarta yesterday that " The Palestinian Central Council will reevaluate a unilateral declaration of the Palestinian State early next month".
President Arafat further said that " Jerusalem is an Islamic, Christian, Palestinian and Arab red line.
For his part, the Indonesian President Abdul rahman Wahed said that his country will not support a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian State.
During this press conference, President Arafat also informed reporters of receiving an important letter from the US President Clinton the contents of which were disclosed.
President Arafat hailed the strenuous efforts exerted by President Clinton for a peaceful settlement and hinted " He is ready to attend another summit".
The member of the PLO Executive Committee and Minister Yasser Abed rabbo categorically denied discussing with Egyptian officials in Cairo any draft agreements for a peaceful settlement with Israel.
He clarified " Israel insists on an everlasting domination over the Palestinian State".
Israeli soldiers fatally wound the Mukhtar of Surda
Israeli security forces assassinated 73 years old Mahmoud Bazzar, the Mukhtar of Surda Village, rocketed Bazzar's home with anti-tank missiles.
The Palestinian National Authority said " The heinous crime was a violation to the agreements reached between the Palestinians and Israelis in political and security spheres which prohibits Israel from committing such acts in areas (B)
Wednesday August 16, 2000
President Yasser Arafat made a short stopover in Hanoi and Kualalampor to enlist support for the state declaration. During his visit t Malaysia, President Arafat was asked on whether he is determined to go a head in declaring the statehood on Sep.13 and said: "In fact, I have made an important tour and French President Jacque Chirac, whose country heads now the EU and visited most of the Arab countries, Iran, Russia, Finland, Norway, China, and Vietnam and now I am here with our friend in Malaysia for this purpose."
On the other hand, the Malaysian FM said that his country will not accept compromises on Jerusalem. He said Jerusalem is not an Arab cause but an Islamic one. He added the meeting due to be held by the Jerusalem Committee in Rabat late this month, indicates to the big support rendered to Arafat and Arafat's efforts to declare the Palestinian State. President Arafat will visit Jakarta today and Tokyo to discuss the Palestinian position with the heads of states of these countries.
The Palestinian leader received support for a unilateral declaration of the statehood from both Malaysia and Greece. President Mahitir Mohammed of Malaysia told a press conference following his meeting with President Arafat in kualalunpur yesterday that he is ready to recognize the Palestinian State when declared and always viewed Palestine as an independent sate. He said he rejected many Israeli efforts to establish diplomatic and trade relations. He explained " We will continue to turn down such offers until the Palestinian problem is finally solved.' On the other hand, the Greek FM George Papandreiu said in Athens today after meeting Dr. Sha'ath that the Palestinians have the absolute right to declare their state even without an agreement with Israel. Since the Berline Declaration, Europe advocates the right of the Palestinians to declare their own state, the Greek minister added.
In a separate statement, Dr. Sha'ath said: " We were informed by Washington of its determination to hold a new summit if it is well-prepared for. He elaborated " The Clinton administration notified the PNA few days ago of its intention to hold a new summit' and gave no further details".
Tuesday August 15, 2000
China supports State declaration, but in due time
President Yasser Arafat received support from China to a unilateral state declaration. The Chinese President Zemin stressed during his meeting with President Arafat the Chinese government support to the Palestinians and their right cause. He said China will work in close cooperation with other countries to approach comprehensive and just settlement to the Palestinian problem.
President Zemin also asked the Israeli government to respect UN resolutions on the Middle East and the agreements signed with the Palestinians in addition to initiating a serious dialogue with the Palestinian Leadership.
Israel threatens to take collective punishments against the Palestinians
Israeli security sources revealed secret documents to resort to collective punishments against the Palestinian people in the event of going ahead in unilaterally declaring the statehood. The document indicated that these punishments included preventing over 120,000 Palestinian workers and about 40,000 businessman from entering Israel in addition to closing border crossing points and a strict control over the air space. Simultaneously, the Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Nabil Sha'ath confirmed the declaration of the State will take place on September 13.
Monday August 14, 2000
President Yasser Arafat holds important talks in Islamabad
President Arafat arrived in Islamabad yesterday for talks with his Pakistani counterpart Gen. Mosharaf on the Middle East peace process, particularly, the Jerusalem issue.
The Palestinian leader updated General Mosharaf on the outcome of the Camp David summit and the Palestinian position on final status issues. President Arafat clarified the Palestinian position as being based on UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.
President Arafat is due to leave Islamabad for Beijing today for similar talks with Chinese officials. In a separate statement, the ahead of the PNC, Salem Zanoon described Camp David summit as an American - Israeli conspiracy and any delay in declaring the state is a political suicide. He also reiterated the Palestinian leadership position on Jerusalem, refugees and borders.
Za'noon added, the PNC will discuss during its meting scheduled for early next month the declaration of the state.
In Tehran, the Iranian Broadcasting Cooperation reported yesterday that the Islamic organization will hold an extraordinary meeting over Palestine on August 20 in Tehran. President Arafat asked for such meeting during his recent visit to Iran.
Armed Jewish settlers step up their assaults against Palestinians
In a new wave of violence, Jewish settlers intensified their attacks against the Palestinian farmers near Kfar Darom settlement near Gaza Strip. Israeli soldiers also opened fire on a Palestinian car and tossed gas bomb against Palestinian refugees in Khan Younis refugee camp adjoining Neve Dakamim settlement.
Jewish settlers escorted by the Israeli army perpetrate daily harassment against Palestinian farmers to force them leave their fields in preparation for the expansion of Jewish settlement.
On the other hand, the Israeli army radio reported scores of Jewish settlers captured hill tops in the West Bank to establish two settlements after erecting several caravans on the sites.
In Qirryat Arba settlements located on the outskirts of Hebron, David Ramaty, a leading settler expected a bloody massacre to be perpetrated by ultra Jewish settlers against Palestinian Arabs in Hebron within the next few months.
He said if a peace agreement is reached on Jerusalem, we will stage a ware of attrition against the Palestinians, adding that he prefers to inter into a war with the Palestinians rather than living under Palestinian rule in any anticipated peaceful settlement.
Sunday August 13, 2000
President Arafat presided over the weekly cabinet meeting of the Palestinian leadership held in Ramallah city yesterday in the presence of members of the PLO's Executive Committee and the speaker of the PNC.
The leadership discussed President Arafat's recent tour to Arab, Islamic, and European countries, where he updated world leaders on the outcome of the Camp David summit, stressing the urgent need for continuing the peace process on the basis of international legitimacy resolutions including the right of the Palestinian refugees to return home and the restoration of East Jerusalem occupied by Israel in 1967, to be the capital of the independent Palestinian state.
The leadership urged stepping up diplomatic contacts with all parties involved in the peace process to overcome Israeli obstacles. The leadership decided to hold an extraordinary meeting for the Palestinian Central Council early next month.
Prescient Arafat briefed the meeting on the outcome of his tour, and said that most of the states he visited recognize the Palestinian state since it was first declared in Algiers in 1988. These states will renew their recognition to the statehood at the end of the interim period on Sept. 13.
The leadership meeting took also a variety of decisions that included:
In Cairo, Egyptian president Hosni Mubrak said; no single Arab leader will accept surrendering East Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque to Israel.
In an interview with "Roz Al-Yousef" magazine, president Mubarak warned against an explosion of uncontrollable violence in case of any concessions on Jerusalem.
Saturday August 12, 2000
Madrid: The declaration of the Palestinian State should not be subjected to any veto
The Spanish FM announced in Barcelona yesterday that his country support the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent Palestinian state and should not be subjected to any veto.
His statement came following a meeting with the Palestinian Minster of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Nabil Sha'th currently on an official visit to Spain. He also proposed a new Peace Conference on the Middle East to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Madrid Conference.
Palestinian prisoner dies in an Israeli prison
The Israeli prison authority announced yesterday that the Palestinian prisoner named Ramiz Razi, 25 years, died in the prison of Nafha as a result of a severe heart attack.
On his part, head of the Palestinian prisoner's society, held Israel responsible for the prisoner's death due to negligence, and appealed to human rights institutions to pressure Israel to improve condition under which Palestinian prisoners are detained.
Israel sells Palestinian property to Jews
The "Shaml" periodical published a report that disclosed a very dangerous action being taken by Israel. The Israeli government's office of the so-called "Guardian of the absentees property" is in the process of selling properties that belong to Palestinian refugees before they were forced to leave in 1948.
The Israeli government is selling 4 million dunums equal around 80% of the property that the Palestinian refugees left behind.
Thursday August 10, 2000
Arafat and Khatami meet in Tehran
President Arafat will pay a short visit to Tehran enroute to Moscow during which he will discuss with the Iranian President Mohammed Khatami the possibility of holding an Islamic summit on Jerusalem.
The Palestine leader received a letter from the British PM Tony Blair relating to the latest developments in the Peace Process and the European role exerted to advance it.
In a press statement, President Arafat described his recent tour to Arab capitals as important, positive and beneficial. He also renewed his call for holding an Islamic summit on Jerusalem in view of its cardinal importance to the Muslim and Arab worlds.
Abed Rabbo: "No alternative for a Palestinian full sovereignty over Arab East Jerusalem"
Palestinian Minister of Information and Culture, member of the PLO Executive Committee, Yasser Abed Rabbo said in a briefing to the press that their is no other alternative but full and complete Palestinian sovereignty on Arab East Jerusalem, a city that was occupied by Israel in the war of June 1967. This to include all neighborhoods of East Jerusalem, including the Old City and the Islamic and Christian holly places.
He also ruled out the possibility of holding a new three-way summit in Camp David.
If no real progress is achieved to resolve all the issues of the final status settlement, there will be no need for holding a new summit, Abed Rabbo said.
He also warned against mounting Jewish attempts to storm into Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
To this effect, he said: "The Israeli government should move strait away to stop Jewish extremists from perpetrating dangerous actions in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and to stop their provocative assaults against Muslim shrines.
He explained that the Palestinian leadership is carrying out intensive contacts with Arab, Islamic and international parties to discuss the Palestinian position on Jerusalem, refugees and all issues of the final status settlement.
Wednesday August 9, 2000
President Arafat ends a tour to the Arab states
President Arafat held successful talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his FM Amr Mousa at the end of his tour to the Arab states to enlist support for the Palestinian position on Jerusalem, refugees and to the declaration of Palestinian statehood. The Egyptian government assured the Palestinian leader of its unequivocal position on Jerusalem.
Egyptian FM Amr Mousa said we will never accept to hand the keys of Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in June 1967 to the Israeli government under any circumstances.
With regard to statehood, Musa said: "Egypt will recognize the Palestine State when declared by the Palestinian leadership and the Palestinian people."
On the other hand, Prince Sheikh Khalefa Ibn Hammed Al-Thani, the ruler of Qatar renewed his support to the Palestine cause and the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
He also called for holding an Arab summit to discuss the problem of Jerusalem.
Intensified settlement building through out the West Bank
The spokesperson of the so-called Jewish communities in the occupied territories Bentsi Liberman told the Israeli military radio yesterday that Jewish settlers have commenced a large scale campaign to build eleven nucleus settlements in the West Bank.
The Israeli radio quoted Liberman as saying that Jewish settlers erected mobile houses at eleven spots and commenced building prefabricated houses and opening new roads. He said: "Random nucleus settlements were erected near existing Jewish settlements in Nablus, Ramallah and Hebron. On the other hand, Israel confiscated 29 dunums at Jerusalem's Shiekh Jarrah neighborhood for building a big prison. In Za'tara village, south of Bethlehem, Jewish settlers of Tako and Al-David continued their racist harrasment against the village. The settlers were seen wondering at the entrance of the village and wrote hostile slogans over the wall of the school. Other settlers attacked Salem Village near Nablus. They brutally attacked some farmers and confiscated their cattle.
Tuesday August 8, 2000
President Arafat , currently on a tour to a number Arab states to enlist support for the Palestinian position on Jerusalem, hinted upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi yesterday the possibility of holding a new three-way summit at Camp David.
In Doha, president Arafat conferred with the ruler of Qatar prince Jasem Ibn Hamad Al-thani and hailed the strong support of Qatar and the Arab states to the Palestinian position.
He indicated the possibility of holding an Arab - Islamic meeting on Jerusalem or at least a meeting by the Jerusalem Committee.
During his meeting with the ruler of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan, President Arafat reiterated the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
For his part, Sheikh Zayed voiced his support to the rights of the Palestinian people to regain all usurped lands on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions. He urged the Clinton administration to be bias and to act for carrying out UN resolutions pertinent to the Arab - Israeli conflict.
Monday August 7, 2000
Arafat reaffirms the paramount significance of Arab support to the Palestinian people
President Yasser Arafat signaled out the importance of Arab support to the Palestinian people and its leadership at this very particular time when the Palestinian people and its negotiation delegation are fighting a fierce battle to regain their rights.
The Palestinian leader paid a short visit to Libya yesterday where he updated Col. Gaddafi on the Palestinian position and the outcome of the Camp David Summit.
Israeli racist statement condemned
The Palestinian Ministry of Information condemned the racist and immoral statement uttered by the Rabbi Ovadia Joseph, the spiritual leader of Shas Party, in which he described the Palestinians "snakes". In retaliation to this statement, the Ministry of Information` said: " Rabbi Joseph has gone beyond all limits when he said "God regrets creating the Palestinians ".
The statement added: "who believes that an entire nation is no more than "snakes "is not eligible to hold peace relations with him".
The undersecretary of the Palestinian Muslims Wakf Department, the Ministry of Culture, and he Israeli Communist Party also condemned Joseph's statement.
The Commmunist Party said in a statement: "The Arab citizens and the 'Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are not temporary residents in their homeland. It further said that "snakes are not the Palestinian people but those who usurped their rights".
Israeli Rabbinate discusses establishing a synagogue in Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Israeli Supreme Rabbinate will be discussing a plan for building a synagogue in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque today. Such a plan, if carried out, is expected to generate angry reactions in the Arab and Islamic world.
Faisal Huseini told France Press Agency that such a plan is another obstacle in the way of achieving peace; "They are using religion to sabotage the Peace Process ", he added. Furthermore, he considered the Israeli government responsible for preventing such hostile action.
On his part, the head of the Supreme Islamic Commission of Jerusalem Ikrima Sabri considered the Israeli project as "hostile and dangerous design that can not be overlooked by Muslims in Palestine and the world". Sabri called for holding an Islamic summit to discuss ending the occupation of Jerusalem.
Sunday August 6, 2000
Upon his arrival at Gaza International Airport, President Arafat told reporters: " We have updated the Turkish president, the Prime minister and the Foreign Minister of Turkey on the serious changes made by Israel after the Camp David summit on the status of Jerusalem, especially, on the Muslims and Christian shrines.
On his part, the Turkish president voiced support to the just cause of the Palestinian people stressing that Jerusalem is a very serious issue and rejected any unilateral changes on the status of the Holly City.
In another statement, the Turkish Prime Minister said: " Jerusalem is an important and sensitive issue for the Muslim world. In a press interview, the Turkish Prime Minister said: "The Palestinian state poses no problem for the US in case we actually recognized the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state.
Turkey traditionally supports the Palestinian right to declare statehood though it establishes close relations with Israel with whom it had signed military agreements.
President Arafat expressed hope to continue consultations with the Turkish brethren and hailed the strong relations binding the Palestinian and Turkish people.
In Cairo, diplomatic sources said: "Arab East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in June 1967, is part of the West Bank and should be returned to the Palestinian sovereignty.
The sources further said: "No single Arab president dares to give concessions on Jerusalem that concerns one billion Muslims ". Within this context, the Egyptian press condemned the joint US-Israeli attempts to exercise pressure on Egypt to change its position on Jerusalem.
The United Arab Emirates also warned Washington against the consequences of relocating the US embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem. It further said that the US "hints "to relocate its embassy will undermine the US credibility as a neutral facilitator of the Middle East Peace Process.
Saturday August 5, 2000
The Palestinian leadership criticizes the US-Israeli governments' distortion campaign launched against its position
A statement issued by the weekly cabinet meeting held in Ramallah yesterday under he chairmanship of President Arafat criticized the ongoing joint US-Israeli distortion of fact campaigns deliberately launched against the position of the Palestinian National Authority.
The statement clarified that this position is based on the UN Resolution, which ensures the return of East Jerusalem and all the occupied territories to the Palestinian sovereignty.
Simultaneously, the statement urged the International Community to stand by and honor the UN resolutions.
At the beginning of the meeting, President Arafat condemned this deliberate distortion campaign staged by the US-Israeli governments against the Palestinian position. He also asked Arab heads of state to move on the international level to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The leadership decided to continue its diplomatic contacts on the Arab and international levels to ensure a global commitment to UN resolution and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The leadership reaffirmed in its statement the following issues:
On this issue, the Palestinian Central Council will decide at its next meeting the date for declaring the statehood.
In Togo, President Arafat hailed during a meeting with the President of Togo, the continued African support to the Palestinian case.
Thursday August 3, 2000
President Arafat received full Arab and European support on the Palestinian position on Jerusalem and the refugee's issues during his tour to eight Arab and European capitals.
The Palestinian leader told reporters upon his arrival at Gaza international Airport yesterday that his tour was "successful, important and positive". On the declaration of the statehood President Arafat said this is subject to a decision to be issued by the Central Council and we will be committed to it.
For his part, the Secretary General of the PLO's Executive Committee Mahmoud Abbas said, We have briefed all Arab leaders on the declaration of the statehood and on the outcome of the Camp David Summit. Meanwhile, the Minister of Planing and International Cooperation Dr. Nabil Sha'th said in a reply to a question: "Our position remains unchanged. We are going to declare our state on Sept 13 as agreed upon".
In a separate report Arafat's advisor Nabil Abu Rudineh said the isralei threats will not scare us nor it will affect the Palestinian position. He said the Palestinian position goes in conformity with UN resolutions and the basis of the peace process. He added that peace begins from Jerusalem and ends in it. Abu Rudineh described Arafat's tour to Europe and Arab capitals ending yesterday as positive.
The Israeli Radio said that Israeli police forces clashed yesterday with Jewish extremists who were trying to break into Al Aqsa Mosque to pray there.
It is worth mentioning that there is a group of Jewish extremists called themselves "Temple Mount Faithful" who always try to force their way into Al Aqsa Mosque to perform prayer.
The Israeli Radio added that the Israeli forces arrested the leader of the group after beating an Israeli policeman.
Wednesday August 2, 2000
Arafat urges for a mini Arab summit
In a press statement broadcast yesterday President Arafat confirmed contacts underway to hold a mini Arab summit and explored the possibility of holding a second three-way summit at Camp David following the failure of the first summit.
He hinted that Russia should assume its role as a partner in the Palestinian - Israeli talks. Palestinian sources said that President Arafat plans to pay a visit to Moscow next week.
President Arafat termed the Israeli position on Jerusalem and the refugees " very serious"
Within the framework of his current tour to Arab and European capitals to enlist support to the Palestinian position, President Arafat left for Sudan after holding important talks with Algerian President Boutaflika.
The meeting was attended by the Minster of Information and Culture Yasser Abed Rabbo and the Palestinian Ambassador to Algiers.
In an interview broadcast by the Algerian TV, President Arafat pointed out that the Camp David talks did not collapse and the Americans and Europeans are trying to reconvene a second summit. He said the Palestinians are looking forward to the outcome of these efforts.
In a second interview with the Saudi newspapers "Okaz" and "Saudi Gazettee", President Arafat expressed his determination to proclaim the independent Palestinian State on Sept. 13.
He said the Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital will be declared on time. He added he had previously reached an agreement with President Clinton to this effect. He didn't rule out the possibility of holding a second summit at Camp David.
In Ramallah, the PNA Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Nabil Shath told Reuters News Agency that non of the issues listed on the agenda of the Camp David summit was finalized.
Nevertheless, Dr. Shath believes that the Palestinian and the Israelis can still put an end to 52 years of their conflict.
He clarified the Palestinians were prepared to accept exchanging land with Israel but the differences over the issues of Jerusalem and refugees were behind failing to reach a deal.
"During the last seven years, we have achieved during two weeks at Camp David more than what we had during the last seven years" ,he said.
He added: " Jerusalem was the stumbling block at the Camp David talks and the Palestinians insisted on the implementation of UN Resolution 242 calling upon Israel to withdraw from all occupied Arab territories including Jerusalem.
Tuesday August 1, 2000
President Yasser Arafat and King Mohammed VI of Morocco called
for holding a meeting by the Jerusalem Committee established by
the Islamic Conference, to discuss the future of Jerusalem after
the failure of the three-way summit at Camp David.
President Arafat told reporters at the end of his talks with the
Moroccan Monarch: "We recommend a meeting by the Jerusalem
Committee to be held as soon as possible".
He said Jerusalem is not the responsibility of the Palestinians alone but by all Arabs, Muslims and the Christians all over the world.
During his stay in Rabat, President Arafat met King Abdullah II, currently on a visit to Morocco and received a telephone call from Egyptian President Husni Mubark. Presidents Arafat and Mubarak exchanged points of view over the latest developments in the Middle East peace process and the Jerusalem issue.
Last night, President Arafat held important talks with Tunisian President Zein Al-Abdein Ibn Ali and updated him on the outcome of Camp David talks, and efforts made to advance the peace process on the Palestinian track. The Palestinian diplomatic campaign was launched to enlist support to the Palestinian position with regard to Jerusalem, refugees and the declaration of the Palestinian State.
At the national level, a meeting was held at the Orient House yesterday by key Palestinian figures to back the Palestinian position on the Palestinian - Israeli track. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Faisal Huseini, in charge of Jerusalem portfolio at the PNA, was attended by the Palestinians inside the Green Line and a delegation from the Golan Heights.
A statement issued by the meeting reaffirmed the Arabic identify of the holy city which is the heart of Palestine.
In a separate statement the head of the Palestinian National Council Saleem Zanoon said, the declaration of the statehood is purely a Palestine affair and can not be discussed by any other party.
He emphasized the time set for this declaration is September 13.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia confirmed yesterday its support for the declaration of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. A statement issued in the Saudi capital said the issue of Jerusalem should be resolved within the framework of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.
During his Arab tour, President Arafat received assurances from Egypt and Jordan on recognizing the Palestinian State when declared. Egypt intensified diplomatic moves following the collapse of Camp David talks to enlist support to the Palestinian stance. In Alexandria, President Mubarak and the Jordanian monarch discussed means of supporting the Palestinians in their talks with Israel. Egyptian FM Amr Mousa said Egypt and Jordan wil recognize the Palestinian State when declared.
In Ramallah, senior Palestinian negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat ruled out the possibility of holding a three-way summit between the Palestinians - Israelis and the US government in the near future.