(Ha'aretz) Aluf Benn - Israel is seeking a solution that will permit residents of eastern Jerusalem to vote in the elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council, but allow the government to adhere to its opposition to Hamas' participation in the ballot. Israel also wants a solution that will prevent the state from being accused of delaying the elections. In a meeting on Monday with Labor chairman Amir Peretz, Prime Minister Sharon said "an arrangement will be found." Under an arrangement reached in the Oslo Accords, Palestinian residents of Jerusalem are allowed to vote in the West Bank, or at polling stations set up at post offices in the eastern part of the capital, with the intention being to show that the ballots are being mailed to the PA. However, if Hamas participates in the elections, Israel has said it will not allow its post offices to be used. A senior political source said Tuesday that this position had not been changed.
2005-12-28 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive