Fischer confers with Arafat
Palestine-Germany, Politics, 4/10/2003

The Palestinian President Yasser Arafat received at his besieged residence in Ramullah yesterday German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joschka Fischer, and discussed with him latest developments in the region and the roadmap.

Arafat said he had discussed with Fischer the Road Map. He added that the German minister informed him that the Road Map will be put into implementation within days. Arafat described the air bombardment in Gaza on Tuesday as an "unforgivable" crime and that Israel is making use of what is taking place in Iraq to cover its crimes against the Palestinians.

Before meeting with Arafat, Fischer met with the chairman of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Ahmad Qrei, and with the minister of planning and international cooperation Nabil Shaath.

Qrei told journalists following his meeting with Fischer "we have discussed the time for carrying out the Road Map and this will be after the formation of the Palestinian government." Fischer also met with the designated Palestinian prime minister Mahmoud Abbas ( Abu Mazin ).

On the other hand, Palestinian officials said that Abbas received upon his request a two- week grace period to announce the formation of his government.

A Palestinian source close to Arafat said that the delay is because of a difference between Arafat and Abbas on forming the new Palestinian government.

Arafat expected that Abbas will announce the formation of his new government on Saturday. He told journalists after meeting with Fischer that the formation of the government will be "within days. I think it will be on Saturday."

Previous Stories:
  Moussa meets with German liberal democratic party chief   (5/30/2002)
  German minister expresses concern over conditions of Palestinians   (3/2/2002)
  Fischer meets with Israeli officials   (2/16/2002)

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