Palestinian sources have denied a rumor about Yasser Arafat's intention to resign, however sources have revealed that a letter was sent to Cairo that included a confirmation of reform amongst the internal Palestinian government.
Member of the Fatah Central Committee (FCC) - Sakher Habash – assured Al Bawaba that Arafat's resignation was not discussed during the last meeting the FCC had. He also considered such rumors "attempts by Israeli PM Ariel Sharon to distract the media from his own corruption scandals and crimes against humanity."
Habash confirmed to Al Bawaba that a letter from President Arafat to Egypt included Palestinian assurances to reform the security apparatus and give the Palestinian PM more powers.
Al Bawaba sources have also revealed that Arafat has agreed (in his letter) to give the Palestinian PM more security and political powers, however keeping the right to assign and dismiss the prime minister to himself. Arafat has also agreed to bring together the Palestinian security apparatus into three main bodies under the authority of the minister of interior.
Habash commented that "the constitution stipulates that two security forces are to be formed; a police force and national Palestinian army…the leader of the army should always be the head of the Palestinian State. Following Arafat’s decision, the ministry of interior will now include three security apparatus’ - the preventive security force (equivalent to the FBI or any other internal intelligence agency), a police force and the civil defense (army). The latter will also report to a national security council to be formed of the Palestinian PM, minister of finance, and minister of foreign affairs and headed by the president of the Palestinian state."
According to Habash, these reforms have already started however are not moving quickly due to financial obstacles and lack of training as a result of the Israeli siege.
Commenting on the Israeli withdrawal plan, Habash described Sharon’s actions as an attempt to help his US counterpart George Bush during an election year and has nothing to do with the reality on the ground. "If Israel is serious, withdrawal from Gaza will only take four hours… Sharon declared he needs a year to do that,” said Habash.
Habash also added that discussions are taking place with the Egyptians so that the Palestinians can be ready should an Israeli withdrawal take place.
Habash concluded by saying that the Palestinian Authority has made it clear to Cairo that it will accept Egyptian trainers to help with the new security forces, but will not accept for Egyptians to take over the posts of the Israelis. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
