FM Shalom: World is naive to think Arafat will give up terror

Jerusalem Post ^ | Sep. 18, 2003 | THE JERUSALEM POST INTERNET STAFF

[yonif]

The international community is na ve to believe that Palestinian Chairman Yasser Arafat will independently relinquish control over the terror groups and the Palestinian security forces, Foreign minister Silvan Shalom said Thursday.

Israel and the United State have called for the unification of the Palestinian security forces and it is one of the Palestinian's obligations under the US-backed road map peace plan.

"The international community does not understand Arafat's mentality or that of the Middle East," Shalom said. "To ask him to relinquish control over the [PA] finances, security forces and the terror organizations is like asking him to jump from the thirtieth floor."

Shalom, speaking during a toast for the upcoming new Jewish year, said that he does not think that he will have good news for the Israeli people in the upcoming year since diplomatic options are running out for Israel.

[yonif]

"To ask him to relinquish control over the [PA] finances, security forces and the terror organizations is like asking him to jump from the thirtieth floor."

[sarasota]

I don't think anyone is naive enough to believe that the peace process can go forward with Arafat. Only if someone off's him can we have hope.

[joesnuffy]

The 'world' knows fully well that Arafat is a terrorist and is..has been...and will continue to lead the terrorists..
The 'world' is on the side of terrorists...look how many western nations harbor terrorists and
support terror nations...
Even Saudi Arabia has a friend and ally in the USA