Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas), the day after American outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell said he was worried by the PA leader's recent militancy, did an about face and suggested that terrorists stop firing missiles and mortar shells on the western Negev.
Hamas terrorists immediately warned Abu Mazen to retract his statements or face the consequences, but the acting PA chairman and front running presidential candidate refused to do so.
Abu Mazen is facing other problems in the election campaign in which he has scored more than two-thirds support in polls. He is facing growing threats of an election boycott from terrorist groups. A low turnout also is forecast in Jerusalem where Israeli officials have rejected Abu Mazen's request to appear at the Temple Mount site.
A low turnout and boycott would reduce Abe Mazen's ability to govern, particularly if he wants to curtail terrorist activity as the Israeli government expects from him after the elections.
Arabs are to vote Sunday, and Abu Mazen's main opposition is from Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, not to be confused with the jailed terrorist Marwan Barghouti. He received surprising support Saturday from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PLPF), a terrorist group which previously had said it would boycott the elections.
Abu Mazen's call Monday for a halt to rocket firing may give Barghouti more support.
Hamas terrorists immediately warned Abu Mazen to retract his statements or face the consequences, but the acting PA chairman and front running presidential candidate refused to do so.
Abu Mazen is facing other problems in the election campaign in which he has scored more than two-thirds support in polls. He is facing growing threats of an election boycott from terrorist groups. A low turnout also is forecast in Jerusalem where Israeli officials have rejected Abu Mazen's request to appear at the Temple Mount site.
A low turnout and boycott would reduce Abe Mazen's ability to govern, particularly if he wants to curtail terrorist activity as the Israeli government expects from him after the elections.
Arabs are to vote Sunday, and Abu Mazen's main opposition is from Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, not to be confused with the jailed terrorist Marwan Barghouti. He received surprising support Saturday from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PLPF), a terrorist group which previously had said it would boycott the elections.
Abu Mazen's call Monday for a halt to rocket firing may give Barghouti more support.