(Jerusalem Post) Joseph Nasr - The pan-Arab Al-Quds-al-Arabi reported Monday that Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman handed Arafat three demands: First, unite all the Palestinian security forces under one command authority. Second, give PA Prime Minister Qurei complete authority to conduct negotiations with Israel over Sharon's unilateral disengagement plan. Third, stand aside and accept a symbolic position and let others lead the PA. If these demands are not met, the Egyptian-American shield saving Arafat's life may be removed. Arafat was given a deadline of June 15 to give a decisive reply or else his future would be "left in the hands of Ariel Sharon," the newspaper reported. A senior Palestinian official said Arafat told him he intends to refuse the Egyptian demands.
2004-06-01 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive