Shaath confirms implementation of Wye river accord

Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath stated that the Palestinian Authority has reached on agreement with Israeli on a number of disputed issues, except the issue of the Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails.

Shaath also affirmed that the two sides have agreed not to tell the media about the dates for implementing the articles of the Wye River accord, denying reports of endorsing an agreement in Alexandria on Thursday. He also reiterated the Palestinian government's unwillingness to endorse any agreement that does not include an agreement on the detainees and captives.

However, Shaath, refused to describe the Palestinian captives as "bloodstained," because, "This description is considered as racist, for the Jews' hands are stained with our blood as well." This is in reference to Israeli comments that some detainees have blood on their hands and should not be subject to release.

On the other hand, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat confirmed the insistence of the Palestinian leadership on the release of all Palestinian captives according to the articles of the frozen Wye River accord.