Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, speaking at the weekly Cabinet meeting today, made mention of Arafat’s recent remarks that the terrorist organizations should refrain from attacking Israelis until after the upcoming Israeli elections. The Prime Minister said that for Arafat, "the murder of Israelis, in addition to being a constant and permanent goal, is also a political consideration... Before the elections, it is OK to commit murder. Close to the election date, it’s better not to. After the elections, it’s OK to continue. Here, we clearly see Yasser Arafat’s true face, which is so well known to us.”
Sharon further said that the above underscores what Israel has maintained for the past two years: "Yasser Arafat has established, is responsible for and leads a coalition of terror, which he can leash or unleash and use as he pleases... One cannot negotiate with such a man, and any attempt to do so will only harm our ability to achieve security and peace in this land. All those who aspire to peace between peoples must understand that Yasser Arafat is an obstacle to peace who must leave the political stage."
Sharon also referred to the “London meeting,” an issue that has exacerbated tensions between Israel and Great Britain in light of Israel's decision to ban a PA delegation from attending it. Sharon defended the decision, reiterating Israel's position that meetings on Palestinian Authority reforms must be held here, and not in London, and certainly not without Israel's participation. In a talk with the British Ambassador to Israel, Sharon made it clear that Israel does not plan to renege on this decision - though the PA Arabs will be allowed to participate in the conference via a video hook-up.
Sharon further said that the above underscores what Israel has maintained for the past two years: "Yasser Arafat has established, is responsible for and leads a coalition of terror, which he can leash or unleash and use as he pleases... One cannot negotiate with such a man, and any attempt to do so will only harm our ability to achieve security and peace in this land. All those who aspire to peace between peoples must understand that Yasser Arafat is an obstacle to peace who must leave the political stage."
Sharon also referred to the “London meeting,” an issue that has exacerbated tensions between Israel and Great Britain in light of Israel's decision to ban a PA delegation from attending it. Sharon defended the decision, reiterating Israel's position that meetings on Palestinian Authority reforms must be held here, and not in London, and certainly not without Israel's participation. In a talk with the British Ambassador to Israel, Sharon made it clear that Israel does not plan to renege on this decision - though the PA Arabs will be allowed to participate in the conference via a video hook-up.