About a month after the Israeli cabinet decided to "remove" Yasser Arafat, Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon admitted in a Sunday interview with The Jerusalem Post that expelling him is not a realistic option.
In excerpts, published Friday, Sharon also ruled out any diplomatic progress being made while Arafat is in control.
"The likelihood of expelling him without harming him is low, not only because of his security guards, but because he would be surrounded by a human chain of Israelis. The opinion of our intelligence services is that expelling him would not be a good idea."
Asked if there can be progress before Arafat is dead, Sharon said: "I didn't say dead, but in my opinion, as long as he is in control, the chance for progress is nonexistent.
"As long as he is around, there is no chance for a settlement or any political process that can lead to peace. When he is not around there is a chance. An agreement with the Palestinians won't happen by itself. It requires a Palestinian prime minister who really would be strong. So far, the reforms have not been implemented. Any prime minister now would have his hands tied by Arafat." (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
