Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided against a proposal that Israel’s President Moshe Katzav address the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in Ramallah. Katzav was approached last week by former Arab MK Abdul Wahab Darawshe with the idea that he speak in front of the Arab legislature and call for a one-year \"hudna\" (Arab temporary cease-fire) between Israel and the PA. Sources in the Prime Minister\'s Office said that the proposal was aimed at improving Arafat\'s image and that Katzav\'s appearance there would damage Israel\'s position. Foreign Minister Shimon Peres also expressed opposition to Katzav\'s speech, saying that the President was \"naive\" for accepting the invitation.
Sharon advisor and former Israeli ambassador to the United States Zalman Shoval explained Sharon’s position on the matter to Arutz 7 radio this morning. Shoval said that at this juncture, Katzav should not give Yasser Arafat and his terrorist organization legitimacy on a world stage by addressing the PLC. Shoval said that the United States and others now understand who Arafat is [a terrorist leader], and Katzav should not reward him with a visit as if he were a respected world dignitary.
Shoval said that a cease-fire could take shape as a result of Israel’s military action against Arafat\'s terrorist infrastructure. He also noted how important it was for the United States to continue to put pressure on Arafat to stop the violence. Shoval summed up, \"When the Palestinian leadership realizes that the war that they launched has not yielded any benefit, they will stop their attacks.\"
Sharon advisor and former Israeli ambassador to the United States Zalman Shoval explained Sharon’s position on the matter to Arutz 7 radio this morning. Shoval said that at this juncture, Katzav should not give Yasser Arafat and his terrorist organization legitimacy on a world stage by addressing the PLC. Shoval said that the United States and others now understand who Arafat is [a terrorist leader], and Katzav should not reward him with a visit as if he were a respected world dignitary.
Shoval said that a cease-fire could take shape as a result of Israel’s military action against Arafat\'s terrorist infrastructure. He also noted how important it was for the United States to continue to put pressure on Arafat to stop the violence. Shoval summed up, \"When the Palestinian leadership realizes that the war that they launched has not yielded any benefit, they will stop their attacks.\"