Bush grants Palestinians waiver on terror sanctions
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SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Friday, October 19, 2001
WASHINGTON Ñ The United States, continuing its drive to win Islamic
support for the war in Afghanistan, has prevented the imposition of
sanctions on the Palestinians for their alleged support of terrorism.
President George Bush issued a waiver regarding the Palestine Liberation
Organization from sanctions connected to a 1987 anti-terrorism act. The
waiver will last for six months.
In his waiver, Bush cited U.S. national security interests. The waiver
was relayed to Congress on Tuesday.
In the past, Israel had supported a presidential waiver regarding
sanctions on the PLO, Middle East Newsline reported. But over the past year, Israel has identified the PLO
as a key source of attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Israeli officials said PLO officials, particularly Palestinian security
chief Mohammed Dahlan, was connected to Saudi billionaire fugitive Osama Bin
Laden.
Dahlan protected a Bin Laden agent last year when he arrived from Egypt
to Gaza and was sought for questioning by Israeli authorities, the officials
said.
At a hearing of the House International Relations subcommittee, the
president's waiver was met by criticism. Several members said the waiver
implied a support by the administration of Palestinian terrorism.
Rep. Gary Ackerman said Secretary of State Colin Powell appealed to
senators not to support sanctions on Palestinians. Ackerman said this
request is a departure from the administration's vow to fight terrorism.
"Does the Palestinian Authority, as a proto-government, get special
dispensation from the president's charge?" Ackerman asked? "Is terrorism
against Israel punished with a wink and a nod?"
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