Feb 11, 2001

Palestinian Funds Are Not Subjected to Any Bargain, Should Be Transferred Unconditionally:

Mr. Nabeel Amr, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, affirmed today Feb 11, 2001 that the Palestinian VAT money collected by Israel are not subject to any bargain and should be transferred instantly and unconditionally. “ The money which Mr. Sharon is talking about is a Palestinian legal and political overdue, and any government in Israel should not subjugate these funds to any kind of terms or conditions”. He said.

“ There are agreements and commitments which should be respected. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) would not allow the introduction of such funds into a process of bargain, for the PNA rejects the principle of linkage between these funds, for which we pay the fees to Israelis, and any other issue”. He stressed.

Mr. Sharon, the Israeli prime minister- elect has proposed yesterday to trade those funds in exchange of curbing the Palestinian popular activities.

Commenting on the prospects of the future Israeli government; Mr. Amr illustrated that the Palestinian Authorities is not concerned about the shape or the formulation of the next Israeli government under the leadership of Ariel Sharon. “ All what we care for is the political stand of that government, as well as, its readiness to resume the negotiations from the point where those negotiation has stopped. The Palestinian National Authority will positively view such a commitment on the Israeli side”, he reiterated.

“ But if the Israeli internal strife develops to the extent in which the Israeli cabinet would be in the position of inability of decision-making, then, such a situation would lead to negative complications on the peace process and the possibilities of realizing peace, not only with the Palestinians, but between Israel and the other Arab parties as well”. He warned.

In order to evade such an impasse, “ the policies of Prime Minister Sharon should differ from the slogans he raised during the election campaign. Now Sharon has more major responsibilities than what he had in the days of the elections, the world is keeping a close eye on Sharon and will continue to observe him. Mr. Sharon has received different warnings from different sides. He should comply with the rules of the political game and the international will to achieve peace in the Middle East. He had been warned to keep totally afar from colonization and usurping the properties of Palestinians. He should go forward with the peace process and live up to all what has been achieved during the tenures of the previous Israel governments”. The minister concluded.