The London Conference on reforms in the Palestinian Authority has begun, though without the physical participation of PA representatives. Israel forbade them from attending following the Tel Aviv bombing of last week in which 23 people were murdered. Prime Minister Sharon informed his British counterpart Tony Blair that reforms in the PA must be decided upon here, not in Europe. Nevertheless, the PA officials are participating via video hook-up. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw sharply criticized Israel for its decision: "The PA officials should be allowed to travel freely," he said - but he admitted that the video technology "worked better than I had feared."
Egyptian Intelligence Commander Omar Suleimon is scheduled to announce at the conference a new formula for the end of terrorism against Israeli civilians. Even Arafat is said to agree to it, according to the PA daily Al-Ayam. This may be because the ceasefire does not include attacks against soldiers and Jewish residents of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, who are still considered "legitimate" targets.
Egyptian Intelligence Commander Omar Suleimon is scheduled to announce at the conference a new formula for the end of terrorism against Israeli civilians. Even Arafat is said to agree to it, according to the PA daily Al-Ayam. This may be because the ceasefire does not include attacks against soldiers and Jewish residents of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, who are still considered "legitimate" targets.