Foreign Minister Shimon Peres is hoping to introduce his plan for a new diplomatic process to the government for a cabinet vote. He was to first present the program, entitled, \"A Palestinian State First,” to Labor party leaders this afternoon. Composed by Peres and PLO leader Abu Ala, it calls for the immediate establishment of a PLO state in areas now under PA control, regardless of whether or not the Arab violence against Israel stops. Further negotiations would then take place between the two sides for a permanent agreement.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has already expressed his objection to the very drafting of such a document at this time, calling the plan “dangerous.” Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer is also not happy with the agreement, and was scheduled to explain why at the Labor Party meeting this afternoon. Peres met earlier today with leaders of the Shas and Shinui parties in the Knesset, but they told him that the chances that they would support his plan are slim.
Peres apparently chose the right man with whom to come to an agreement. Yasser Arafat surprised listeners last week when, for the first time in 32 years as head of the PLO, he named the man who would succeed him when he “disappears:” Abu Ala. Arafat also said that Abu Mazen would become the head of Fatah, and that both would serve only until elections are held in the PA.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has already expressed his objection to the very drafting of such a document at this time, calling the plan “dangerous.” Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer is also not happy with the agreement, and was scheduled to explain why at the Labor Party meeting this afternoon. Peres met earlier today with leaders of the Shas and Shinui parties in the Knesset, but they told him that the chances that they would support his plan are slim.
Peres apparently chose the right man with whom to come to an agreement. Yasser Arafat surprised listeners last week when, for the first time in 32 years as head of the PLO, he named the man who would succeed him when he “disappears:” Abu Ala. Arafat also said that Abu Mazen would become the head of Fatah, and that both would serve only until elections are held in the PA.