New British minister calls for reforms in the Palestinian authority

The new Foreign Office Minister(in charge of the Middle East affairs) Mike O’Brien said "The Palestinian Authority also needs to reform its institutions and create circumstances in which other representatives can come forward with whom we can deal as well as President Arafat. I welcomed the Authority’s 100-day plan as a serious package for reform, as well as its intention to hold elections."

He said he met with "President Arafat in Ramallah. We had a full and frank discussion. I told him we were talking to him because he must exercise his authority to end the suicide bombings. President Arafat promised he would do all he could and said that the suicide bombing was damaging the Palestinian cause in the eyes of the world. I emphasised that we expected the Palestinian Authority to act decisively if it is to convince the international community that it is fully committed to the fight against terrorism. "

In a statement, he added "As the Palestinian Authority takes these steps, we and others in the international community can work with it towards a two-state solution that recognises the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and brings a peace based on security for Israel."