Yasser Arafat must "disappear from the stage of history," Israel’s defense minister said Tuesday, adding that the Palestinian leader’s fate — most likely expulsion — may be decided before the end of the year.
| Ummm... How long before the end of the year? |
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz issued the warning as Arafat and his Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas remained locked in a bitter power struggle. Abbas, backed by the United States and Israel, is increasingly unpopular at home and could be ousted, possibly in a parliament vote next week.
| Thereby proving that Paleos never miss an opportunity to miss and opportunity... |
In newspaper ads Tuesday, nearly 200 Palestinian legislators, academics and writers appealed to both men to resolve their differences, saying the deadlock was hurting Palestinian interests. "We call on you to stop all actions that may open the door to foreign interference," the ad read. Leaders of the ruling Fatah movement met Tuesday, but failed to find a compromise. Mediators were to keep shuttling between the two leaders who are no longer on speaking terms. Officials close to Abbas, meanwhile, denied reports that he has threatened to resign and leave the Palestinian areas.
| Prob'ly be better for his health if he did, though... |
Palestinian security chief Mohammed Dahlan, who is close to Abbas, suggested the tensions defied a permanent solution. He told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that there might be a temporary compromise, "until the next crisis, in a week, a month, three months, who knows?"
| That's what usually happens. The next crisis will also be set off by Yasser wanting to have his way... |
In his radio interview, Mofaz also said Arafat was an obstacle to peace. "Because this is the situation and because Arafat never wanted to reach an agreement with us, ... I think that he has to disappear from the stage of history, and not be included in the ranks of the Palestinian leadership," Mofaz said. Mofaz said he favors expelling Arafat, but that the timing has to be right. "I believe that Israel made a historic mistake by not exiling him two years ago," he said.
| I believe Israel made an historic mistake by not killing him 30 years ago... |
"With regard to the future, I think we will be compelled to deal with this issue within a relatively short period of time, very possibly even this year," Mofaz said. It was not clear whether he referred to the Western calendar or the Jewish year, which ends on Sept. 26.
It’s up to you guys: Mubarak, Abdullah (Jordan), Abdullah (SArabia) - can we send him to you?
| How about a piece to each? |
Mofaz said the timing would have to be chosen carefully so as not to undermine Abbas, who Israel believes is serious about reaching a peace deal. Palestinian Cabinet Minister Ghassan Khatib said Mofaz’s threat only raised tensions, "but is consistent with the spirit of escalation of the Israeli leadership."
| "I mean, those guys fly off the handle like this for no reason... We're so-o-o-o put upon!" |
Israel’s Cabinet has repeatedly considered expelling Arafat, but Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has blocked such a move, in part because of opposition by the United States and because his security advisers have cautioned against it. |