Arafat issues warrant of arrests against Palestinians in the weapons ship case
Palestine, Politics, 1/29/2002

Chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat on Monday issued a decision provided for arresting Maj. Gen. Fouad al-Shawbaki and a warrant of arrest against two other Palestinian officials in the case of the weapons ship.

An official statement broadcast by the Palestinian official news agency said that Arafat decided, according to recommendations made by the Palestinian investigation committee in the incident of the weapons ship, to arrest Maj. Gen. Fouad al-Shawbaki, the official for the financial department of the Palestinian security and to appoint instead Col. Muhammad al-Batrwai, as a charge de affairs.

The statement added that Arafat also issued a warrant of arrest against each of Maj. Gen. Fatehi al-Razem, and Adel Awdallah al-Maghribi, who are outside the Palestinian territories and to suspend the former ( al-Razem) from his work as a deputy commander for the Palestinian naval police.

Arafat had formed a higher security committee chaired by Lt. Gen. Abdul Razza al-Majeydah, the director of the Palestinian general security to investigate in the issue of the weapons ship which was intercepted by Israel on January 3rd and accused the Palestinian Authority of being behind it.

Previously, US Secretary of State Colin Powell strongly urged Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to provide an explanation of the Karine A ship seized by the Israeli navy on January 3 with a cargo of munitions for delivery to the Palestinians. "It's a pretty big smoking gun," said Powell, speaking January 25 on the Lehrer News Hour. "I can't put it right at [Chairman Arafat] personally, but it is clear from all of the information available to us that the Palestinian Authority was involved." Later, the US Vice President said that the shipment was from Iran and through the Hizbulah organization, two entities that are opposed to the peace process according to the Vice President, accusing Arafat and his top officials of being directly involved in the incident.

US State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said yesterday that the arrest of a suspect in connection with a ship smuggling arms to the Palestinians was "a step in the right direction, but we would say that more needs to be done."

"The issue at this moment is whether Chairman Arafat takes strong and irreversible action. We think that others need to understand that, need to convey that to Chairman Arafat and offer him support if he does," said Boucher.

Boucher said that although General Anthony Zinni was not currently scheduled to return to the region, the Bush administration would continue to review the situation and take action as necessary. "But," he said, "what Chairman Arafat does will be a big factor in that." Zinni has been designated to try to help Israelis and Palestinians negotiate a cease-fire.

Previous Stories:
  Three Palestinians killed by the Israeli forces   (1/25/2002)
  Five Israelis were killed, 30 wounded in a Palestinian operation in al-Khudeira   (1/18/2002)
  Arafat: Palestinians stick to peace despite pessimism   (1/16/2002)
  The US asks Arafat for more measures against persons wanted by Israel   (1/16/2002)
  American source denies the return back of Zinni   (1/15/2002)
  Situation is extremely difficult due to sustained Israeli practices   (1/10/2002)
  Sharon government's regrets Washington doubts of Israel's claims on the destination of the weapon ship   (1/9/2002)
  Sharon exploits the 'weapon ship' incident for further escalation against the Palestinians   (1/7/2002)

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