Israel warned Mahmoud Abbas of a bleak future unless he crushes militants, as the Palestinian president hailed a new era of hope and pledged Wednesday to build a viable state as soon as possible. "If the Palestinian Authority will not start acting against the terrorists, the future will be very bleak for Abu Mazen (Abbas)," a top aide to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said.Police were on high alert for a possible suicide attack in Jerusalem, less than a week after five Israelis were killed in a bombing in Tel Aviv, casting shadows over an informal cease-fire. "If these organizations feel they can get away with things like this now, they will resist him even more in the future," added the official.
He delivered his ominous warning as Abbas - basking in global support for Palestinian political, economic and security reforms unveiled in London - vowed to create an independent Palestine as quickly as possible. "According to the 'road map,' this dream should be realized in 2005. We will continue to work toward its realization as quickly as possible," he said after talks in Brussels. "We are talking about a new era of peace and hope. I hope this (EU) support will continue. Let's be optimistic. Let's remain optimistic," he added.
