Arafat confers with Zinni
Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/16/2002

The chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat met with the US envoy Anthony Zinni. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Oreikat said that what is required is an integrated plan that starts from the implementation of Tenet understandings and ends with mechanism to end the occupation and complete Israeli withdrawal until June 4, 1967 border lines.

He added "I told Zinni about the details of the Israeli aggression and the destruction inflicted in the infrastructure in the Palestinian areas of waters, electricity and roads, a destruction Israel is fully responsible for."

The official in charge of telecommunications in the Palestinian territories Imad al-Falouji said that Sharon will not be able to continue deceiving the world "and we do hope that Zinni came to the region with a new plan, not aligned to Israel."

Zinni had met with the Israeli foreign minister Shimon Peres. He said following the meeting there are some elements which raise hope and "I inspire courage from these elements." But he did not specify them.

Zinni added that he is determined to stay for long so as to be able to reach cease fire and implement items for Tenet plan.

Ariel Sharon told the American delegate that he first stipulates reaching an agreement to cease fire and then start negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, while the Israeli foreign minister Shimon Peres said that a committee was formed under his chairmanship to start negotiations on the cease fire, while the Israeli defense minister expressed his optimism towards Zinni's mission claiming that the Israeli forces have started to pullout for this purpose.

The Israeli army chief of staff Shaoul Mofaz said that confrontation might continue for other several months before an agreement is reached.

For his part, the chairman of the Meritz movement Yusi Sarid called on the Sharon government to accept sending international forces under an American leadership to the region in order to guarantee the process of separation between the Palestinians and the Israelis. He said that Zinni's mission will not succeed without the introduction of UN forces and imposition an American solution on the Israeli and Palestinian sides.

Previous Stories:
  A Palestinian mother bids farewell for her son before 'martyrdom'   (3/15/2002)
  Israel Raids UN-Run School in Palestinian Camp, Trapping staff and Causing Damage   (3/14/2002)
  Israeli cabinet discuss military measures and tightening the siege on Palestinians   (3/14/2002)

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