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Bush grants Palestinians waiver on terror sanctions

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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