Likud, National Union bypass Palestinian Statehood issue, reach coalition agreement

Jerusalem Post ^ | Feb. 25, 2003 | THE JERUSALEM POST INTERNET STAFF

[yonif]

The Likud and the far-right National Union Party have reached an understanding that would allow the ultra-nationalist party to join the emerging government coalition.

The National Union Central Committee met later Tuesday to ratify the agreement.

The accord was reached after the two sides agreed that in the event that the creation of a Palestinian State becomes a reality the issue would be brought before the government for debate.

Sharon has repeatedly said he plans to pursue the Bush plan, which envisions a Palestinian State created by 2005. The National Union has been one of the most vocal opponents to any form of a Palestinian State.

The National Union would now join Likud, the secular Shinui Party and the National Religious Party in the government. Sharon is expected to present his new 68 seat coalition on Thursday.

According to the agreement National Union leader Avigdor Lieberman is slated to receive the Transportation Ministry portfolio. The party is expected to take control of a second ministry, either the Immigration and Absorption Ministry or the Ministry of Tourism.

[facedown]

BTTT

[Petronski]

I sure wish they could have kept Shinui out of the coalition, but I guess it can't be helped.

[ambrose]

Sharon is pledged to the Bush plan, and there's no way he can get it enacted without Shinui's support.

[Smile-n-Win]

Sharon has repeatedly said he plans to pursue the Bush plan, which envisions a Palestinian State created by 2005. The National Union has been one of the most vocal opponents to any form of a Palestinian State.

No problem. Let the good guys form a coalition and forget about that Palestinian Arab State.