Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has told Newsweek that the body known as the Quartet, comprised of representatives of the UN, the U.S., the E.U. and Russia, amounts to "nothing." The Quartet is engaged in trying to formulate and impose a diplomatic agreement on Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Sharon's exact words: "Oh, the Quartet is nothing! Don't take it seriously! I don't think the United States takes it seriously."
Prime Minister Sharon's office released the following "clarification" this morning:
"Within the forum known as the Quartet, Israel and the US see eye-to-eye on the suitable interpretation of, and the appropriate methods for, implementing President Bush's speech, in contrast to the position of the other Quartet members. The State of Israel's view is that the US and Israeli vision are the only actual understandings which are likely to result in peace in the Middle East."
Sharon noted one plan that does have some potential: "First, Arafat should be removed from an influential position. Secondly, a prime minister should be appointed. Third, reforms should be undertaken, mostly in the security organizations. Then there are problems on the financial side. I think our estimate of Arafat’s property is about $2 billion. Once the reforms have been completed, there should be free and democratic elections..." Sharon again expressed support for the idea of a Palestinian state:
"I am ready, if they have taken steps against terror, to recognize a fully demilitarized Palestinian state without final borders - having only police equipped with light weapons. Israel will control the external borders and will have the right to fly over the territory. Now we come to phase three: if there’s no terror whatsoever, then we will have to decide about the final borders."
Sharon took a surprisingly contrary view regarding the construction of an electronic fence near the pre-1967 ceasefire lines. "These electronic fences [are just] another means to help fight terror, but not more than that," he said. "A small minority of Israeli-Arabs is involved in terror now. The suicide bombers cross into Israel, not carrying any weapons, equipment or explosives. The equipment for the suicide bombers is prepared in Israel, by Israeli-Arabs... The fence [is not] an ultimate answer."
Prime Minister Sharon's office released the following "clarification" this morning:
"Within the forum known as the Quartet, Israel and the US see eye-to-eye on the suitable interpretation of, and the appropriate methods for, implementing President Bush's speech, in contrast to the position of the other Quartet members. The State of Israel's view is that the US and Israeli vision are the only actual understandings which are likely to result in peace in the Middle East."
Sharon noted one plan that does have some potential: "First, Arafat should be removed from an influential position. Secondly, a prime minister should be appointed. Third, reforms should be undertaken, mostly in the security organizations. Then there are problems on the financial side. I think our estimate of Arafat’s property is about $2 billion. Once the reforms have been completed, there should be free and democratic elections..." Sharon again expressed support for the idea of a Palestinian state:
"I am ready, if they have taken steps against terror, to recognize a fully demilitarized Palestinian state without final borders - having only police equipped with light weapons. Israel will control the external borders and will have the right to fly over the territory. Now we come to phase three: if there’s no terror whatsoever, then we will have to decide about the final borders."
Sharon took a surprisingly contrary view regarding the construction of an electronic fence near the pre-1967 ceasefire lines. "These electronic fences [are just] another means to help fight terror, but not more than that," he said. "A small minority of Israeli-Arabs is involved in terror now. The suicide bombers cross into Israel, not carrying any weapons, equipment or explosives. The equipment for the suicide bombers is prepared in Israel, by Israeli-Arabs... The fence [is not] an ultimate answer."