The \"Quartet\" consisting of leaders from the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations is scheduled to meet in New York today to discuss Yasser Arafat\'s future as head of the Palestinian Authority. Following US President Bush\'s speech several weeks ago in which he indirectly called for Arafat\'s removal from power, the US has adopted a policy which calls on the Arabs under PLO rule to choose new leaders who will commit themselves to carrying out reforms. However, the other three Quartet members feel that Arafat should remain in power since he is the \"elected\" leader of the Arab public.
The participants at the meeting, including US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, European Union Foreign Policy Advisor Javier Solana and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, were to discuss a US proposal seeking to expedite the drafting of a constitution for a future Palestinian State. In an interview on ABC television last night, Powell stressed that President Bush wants to see that a Palestinian state comes into being as quickly as possible. Powell also said that while the White House has said time and time again that it is disappointed with Arafat, he remains the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people.
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres echoed Powell’s comments last night. Peres called on the Quartet to establish a clear diplomatic plan based on President Bush\'s Middle East vision of reforming the Palestinian Authority, followed by the eventual establishment of a Palestinian State.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sent Powell a letter ahead of the meeting outlining Israel\'s positions in regard to PA reforms. In it, Sharon said that the first step in the reformation process should take place within the PA security establishment.
Following the Quartet meeting, Powell is scheduled to meet with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan.
The participants at the meeting, including US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, European Union Foreign Policy Advisor Javier Solana and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, were to discuss a US proposal seeking to expedite the drafting of a constitution for a future Palestinian State. In an interview on ABC television last night, Powell stressed that President Bush wants to see that a Palestinian state comes into being as quickly as possible. Powell also said that while the White House has said time and time again that it is disappointed with Arafat, he remains the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people.
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres echoed Powell’s comments last night. Peres called on the Quartet to establish a clear diplomatic plan based on President Bush\'s Middle East vision of reforming the Palestinian Authority, followed by the eventual establishment of a Palestinian State.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sent Powell a letter ahead of the meeting outlining Israel\'s positions in regard to PA reforms. In it, Sharon said that the first step in the reformation process should take place within the PA security establishment.
Following the Quartet meeting, Powell is scheduled to meet with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan.