Speaking at a joint press conference with European Union Foreign Minister Javier Solana yesterday (Sunday), Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom stated that PLO leader Yasser Arafat now regrets his appointment of Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and is doing everything within his power to undermine the integrity of the latters government. FM Shalom, who left today for a working visit to Morocco, commented, "Israel will not negotiate with a new government formed under the instructions and the influence of Arafat." Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz also told the EU Foreign Minister that Yasser Arafat is working diligently to return to center stage.
The EU continues, over Israels objections, to hold to its policy of treating PLO leader Yasser Arafat as the legitimate leader of the Arabs of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, with European dignitaries according the veteran terrorist diplomatic visits. However, regarding the Hamas, Solana said that European leaders would discuss taking financial steps against the organization at a meeting later this week. "Any organization that carries out terrorist acts is of course a terror organization. We are going to try do the utmost to stop these kinds of organizations, including Hamas, from having access to resources," Solana said.
Regarding Israels security fence in Samaria and Judea, Javier Solana explained that the EU does not oppose a temporary defensive structure aimed at stopping terrorists from entering Israeli areas, but does remain opposed to creating political facts on the ground by the construction of the wall.
Also yesterday, the families of IDF soldiers held hostage by Hizbullah met with Solana, calling on him to use his influence to persuade Syria and Lebanon to push through a prisoner exchange between Israel and the Hizbullah.
Solana was to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman today before returning later on to Jerusalem to meet Prime Minister Sharon.
Addressing the government cabinet today, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said that Israel is a long way off from returning to any diplomatic process with the Palestinian Authority, as the PA has yet to begin fulfilling its responsibilities. Mofaz confirmed that Israel remains interested in advancing the political process, but will not make any compromises impacting national security interests.