Starting today, the first day of the academic year, schools remained closed due to Israel’s failure to renew entry permits for school staff. The Jewish state's measure affects more than 70 teachers and non-teaching staff, as well as 8,500 students. Various Christian Churches are united in protest, a repeat of what occurred last Christmas.
Diplomats are in full swing for the the Arab League meeting in Riyadh, where the “Saudi Proposal” will be discussed; Ban Ki-Moon will meet with Rice, Abu Mazen and Olmert. According to the United Nations, the Anp must demonstrate its real initiative for peace, while Israel prevent takeover.
At an international conference organised by the United Nations Committee for the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the Vatican representative Mgr Parolin reasserted the right of both peoples to peace and security, stressing the importance of the Christian contribution to that objective.
Perplexity of the United States and European Union, who confirm their request that the Quartet’s principals be accepted. A 90 day “trial run” of foreign aid. The Norwegian vice minister for Foreign Affairs meets Haniyeh and Israel cancels his visit with Livni. But the Us consul holds talks with the Finance Minister, and independent sponsored by Fatah.
UN secretary praises Saudi peace proposal before going to the region. Plan includes israeli withdrawal to 1967 borders. Israel and United States view changes in Palestinian government as insufficient. Contrasts continued within Palestinian government.
With a great majority, deputies approve the formation reached in the wake of the Mecca accord of February 8th last. The population greets the news with enthusiasm in the hope that the block on humanitarian aid will soon be lifted and the economy recover. Israel remains sceptical, will dialogue only with Abu Mazen.
A report issued by Peace Now confirms that 32.4% of the Colonies were built on private property. The findings are based on Civil administration data, forced to furnish the information following intervention by the Israeli High Court.
Prime Minister Hanyyeh this morning presented President Abbas with a list of ministers. The Independent wanted by Hamas was found for the key Interior Ministers post. Official reactions from Israel and the US still forthcoming, Rice returns to the Middle East next week.
Even if granted the elusive visa, husband and children remain non nationals, guests in their own country. Instead it is the men who transmit citizenship to wife and children. Experts: nothing to do with Islamic law but with a mentality closedto basic women’s rights.
Attention is persistently focused on the PNA and the Road Map but it is only the PLO that could take part in an international conference to pave the way for “two States”. What’s more, the organization has not been tainted by Islamist organizations so far.
Jerusalem meeting ends with parties agreeing to continue talks. But US and Israel do not clarify their position on new Palestinian national unity government. Fatah lawmaker says meeting was a good step but warns it was not enough. Hamas should act on the Makkah agreement and the international community must see the value of it.
President Abbas asks the new cabinet to respect agreements already signed by the PLO, implicitly recognising Israel. No official reactions yet from the US and Israel.
Palestinian President postpones speech to the nation in which he was to announce new national unity government as agreed to in Makkah. Next Home Affairs minister is the main stumbling block.
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