U.S. arranged secret meeting between Palestinian leaders, Israelis
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Tuesday, March 13, 2001
RAMALLAH Ñ Leaders of the Palestinian mini-war have met with Israeli
security chiefs in the first session since the confrontation erupted more
than six months ago.
The meeting took place amid an Israeli siege of Ramallah, regarded by
the Palestinians as the harshest measure by the Israeli army against the
Palestinians.
Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti met General Security Services chief Avi
Dichter earlier this month in what was described as a secret session
arranged by the United States. The meeting discussed the prospect of ending
the mini-war in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Barghouti, who has vowed to continue the mini-war, has been criticized
by his colleagues for agreeing to meet Dichter. The report of the meeting
was first broadcast on Israel's Channel One television. Barghouti responded
angrily and threatened the life of television correspondent Kaed Daher.
The siege of Ramallah has especially affected the movement of senior
Palestinian figures and on Monday the PA organized thousands of Palestinians
in Ramallah to demonstrate against the Israeli closure.
At the same time, Palestinian tractors tried to destroy Israeli barriers
around Ramallah and were driven back by Israeli troops. An estimated 20
Palestinians were injured in the protests, Palestinian sources said.
"This situation is unprecedented in the history of mankind," PA Health
Minister Riad Zaanoun told PA radio.
The Israeli measures come amid what Palestinian sources termed is the
first serious debate within ruling circles to end the mini-war. The debate
is said to have included both academics and clergymen.
PA security chiefs also warned other Israeli correspondents from
entering PA-controlled areas. Israeli and PA security officials also met on
late Sunday to discuss easing restrictions in the Gaza Strip.
In Gaza, the Hamas claimed to have destroyed an Israeli tank in an
attack near the Bureij refugee camp. Israel did not confirm the report but
on late Sunday Prime Minister Ariel Sharon convened defense chiefs to
discuss the escalation of the mini-war in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Labor Party ministers are complaining that they have been left out of
the first military decisions taken by Sharon. This includes the siege of the
West Bank city of Ramallah. The Israeli army dug a huge ditch around the
city as Sharon sent a message to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that
Israel has peaceful intentions.
"I believe this needs another look and this will be done," Foreign
Minister Shimon Peres said.
In Cairo, Arab foreign ministers demanded that the United Nations
Security Council meet to establish a force to protect Palestinians from
Israel.
Tuesday, March 13, 2001
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