(JTA) Ron Kampeas- Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom is meeting this week and next with Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice to discuss the specifics of Egyptian plans to secure Gaza once Israel leaves. However, the PA is not ready to assume control of the Gaza Strip. Arafat, considered by Israel and the U.S. as a pariah beyond repair, still exerts ironclad control over the Palestinian security services. Egypt has given the Palestinians until summer's end to get their act together, but Arab diplomats say they are not optimistic. Neither is the U.S.
2004-07-02 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive