Tuesday, June 06, 2006

[imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1410 (11 messages)

imra Tue Jun 6 00:30:35 2006 Volume 2 : Issue 1410

In this issue of the imra daily Digest:

2 Reports - Palestinian Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small
[Backside kissing fallout]PM Olmert to President
Mubarak:
"You Are A True Partner For Peace."
MKs urge discussion of Eiland's remarks
blasting absence of planning of withdrawals
[Negotiations without compliance]Abu Rudenha Voices
Readiness for Immediate Negotiations Based On Road Map
Jordanian normalization supporters seek
8 women to join a course in Israel
President Abbas Meets EU's Solana in Ramallah
- referendum would be held just if the dialogue fails
FM Livni meets with EU counterpart Solana
Banks in oPt not Paying Salaries Today Following
no Transfer of Money from Finance Ministry
Judeh: CBJ may close some Jordanian
banks' branches in Palestinian territories
IDF Targets Terror Operative in Northern Gaza
IDF: Palestinian conflict to escalate [even if retreat]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: 2 Reports - Palestinian Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small

PCHR
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
Press Release

#1 Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms
Clashes between Armed Groups and Security Forces

Field Update
4 June 2006

Tension Between Fatah and Hamas Continues:
One Killed and Ten Injured in Three Incidents in the Gaza Strip

In the latest clash between armed groups in the Gaza Strip, unidentified
gunmen fired at Abdel Hadi Seyam, a member of the Izzedeen El-Qassam
Brigades in Gaza City. He was seriously injured in the chest. Prior to
this incident, nine people were injured, including a child, in armed clashes
between members of the Preventive Security Apparatus and members of the
Izzedeen El-Qassam Brigades in Khan Yunis. Unknown gunmen also shot Khader
Afana, an officer in the Preventive Security Apparatus, in Gaza City. He
died of serious injuries sustained in the attack.

PCHR's preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 03:00 on
Saturday, 3 June 2006, unidentified gunmen traveling in two cars fired at
Abdel Hadi Seyam, a 31-year-old resident of Beach Camp in Gaza City. He is
a leader in the Izzedeen El-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas). The
incident took place in the Mashtal area of Beach Camp. The gunmen fled the
scene after injuring Seyam seriously in the chest. He was taken to Shifa
Hospital suffering from serious bullet wounds to the chest. After
undergoing the necessary medical operations, his colleagues took him to an
undisclosed location.

At approximately 21:00 on Thursday, 1 June 2006, clashes erupted between
members of the Preventive Security Apparatus and Hamas members near the
house of Zaki Abdel Mawla El-Derdeisi, a 48-year-old Hamas activist living
in the El-Romeida area of Bani Suheila (east of Khan Yunis). During the
clashes, members of the Preventive Security withdrew from the area. Eight
of them went to the house of Suliman El-Abded El-Breim. The house has three
floors and houses four families (21 people in total). The Preventive
Security personnel entered the house at gunpoint and barricaded themselves
inside. The house residents managed to flee from a back window. Members of
Izzedeen El-Qassam Brigades surrounded the house and clashed with the
barricaded Preventive Security members. In addition, members of the
Izzedeen El-Qassam Brigades deployed in the surrounding area and streets.
Hamas members burned two jeeps belonging to the Preventive Security
Apparatus. At approximately 01:30 on Friday, 2 June 2006, the clashes ended
after mediators intervened on both sides. The clashes resulted in nine
people being injured, including a member of the Preventive Security and
three civilians (two from the families of the besieged house, including a
child). The injured included:

- Khaled Nassar Dahliz, a 36-year-old member of Preventive Security
from Rafah. He was injured by a bullet to the left leg;
- Atef Ahmad Suliman, 24, a passerby injured by shrapnel in the
limbs;
- El-Abed Suliman El-Breim, 15, injured by shrapnel in the right
hand; and
- Fayez Suliman El-Breim, 2, injured in the right foot.

The identity of the other casualties is unknown. They were treated in Naser
Hospital in Khan Yunis without giving their names to the hospital staff.

At approximately 22:10 on Thursday, unknown gunmen in a civilian car fired
at Khader Mohammad Afana, a 40-year-old officer in the Preventive Security,
as he was leaving a shop in the Naser area of Gaza City. He sustained
serious injured and was taken to Shifa Hospital for treatment. He was
pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Following Afana's death, scores of gunmen stormed the hospital and fired
heavily in the courtyard and inside the hospital buildings. They assaulted
some doctors and destroyed furniture in the surgery theater, reception and
emergency ward. Afterwards, Fatah members threw rocks at members of the
newly-commissioned Executive Force of the Ministry of Interior and National
Security. The demonstrators burned a vehicle belonging to the force, whose
members withdrew from the area.

PCHR is gravely concerned over the continued escalation in the use of arms
by groups and individuals, which is a further aggravating the security chaos
currently plaguing the Occupied Palestinian Territory. . The Centre calls
upon the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate these
incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.

#2 Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms
Misuse of Weapons by Armed Groups and Security Forces

Field Update
4 June 2006

Six Injured, including Four Children, in Incidents involving the Misuse of
Weapons in the Gaza Strip

Over the past two days in the Gaza Strip, six people, including four
children, were injured in incidents involving the misuse of weapons.

PCHR's preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 01:30 on
Sunday, 4 June 2006, Omar Mahmoud El-Batsh, a 22-year-old resident of
Greater Abasan to the east of Khan Yunis, was admitted to the European
Hospital in Khan Yunis. He had been injured by a bullet that had penetrated
through the right thigh and then entered the left thigh. The bullet had
been fired accidentally from a friend's firearm.

At approximately 22:30 on Saturday, 3 June 2006, Mohammad Adnan El-Tawil, a
5-year-old child from Nuseirat refugee camp, was admitted to Al-Aqsa Martyrs
Brigades Hospital in Deir El-Balah. He had been seriously injured by a
bullet to the head. He was later transferred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City
due to the severity of the injury. The child had been accidentally injured
by gunmen firing into the air during a celebration of the Fatah victory in
the student council elections in Al-Quds Open University, in the central
part of the Gaza Strip.

At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, Sharif Suliman El-Gorof, a 20-year-old
resident of Greater Abasan, was admitted to Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis.
El-Gorof, who is a member of the security services, had been injured by a
bullet to the right leg, when a bullet was accidentally fired from a firearm
mishandled by one of his relatives.

And at approximately 17:30 on Friday, 2 June 2006, three children from the
Sha'at clan were injured during an engagement ceremony in Khan Yunis.
Several bullets were misfired by gunmen shooting into the air during the
celebration. The injured were taken to Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis, where
their injuries were described as mild. The injured are:
- Ahmad Marwan Sha'at, 5, injured by shrapnel in the face;
- Feras Abdel Sam'I Sha'at, 8, injured by shrapnel in the upper
body; and
- Samir Nahed Sha'at, 11, injured by shrapnel in the limbs.

PCHR is gravely concerned over the continued number of deaths and injuries
resulting from the misuse of weapons, which has become a prominent feature
of the ongoing security chaos in the region. The Centre calls upon the
Palestinian National Authority to take preventive measures to prevent such
incidents and safeguard the safety of citizens.

Public Document
**************************************
For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8
2824776 - 2825893
PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip.
E-mail: pchr@pchrgaza.org, Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
-----------------------------------
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and write "subscribe" in the subject line.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: [Backside kissing fallout]PM Olmert to President
Mubarak:
"You Are A True Partner For Peace."

[IMRA: Yes. President Mubarak refuses to visit Israel. Yes. President
Mubarak has spent most of his "peace" efforts in the last years on insuring
that the radical forces in Gaza remain intact and armed. Yes. President
Mubarak has not come close to making a truly serious effort to stop the
massive flow of weapons from Egyptian Sinai to the Gaza Strip. And, of
course: Yes. President Mubarak continues to spend billions of American aid
dollars on sophisticated American weapons to use against an unnamed enemy
who just happens to share Israel's geographic location. But why should this
stop PM Olmert from kissing President Mubarak's backside?

The problem: After publicly kissing President Mubarak's backside, it is
extremely difficult to explain to friends of Israel on Capitol Hill why
Israel doesn't want its fantastic "friend of peace" Egyptian neighbor to get
ever more sophisticated American weapons (including recently many mobile
systems whose main use for Egypt would be in an invasion of an unnamed enemy
who just happens to share Israel's geographic location).

It should come as no suprise that this is not a consideration or concern for
Mr. Olmert.

"Consideration" and "concern" require a "think first - then act" approach.
And as Maj. Gen. Eiland warned yesterday, PM Sharon and now Olmert follow
the "act first - think never" approach.]

PM Olmert to President Mubarak: "You Are A True Partner For Peace."
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Following are Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's remarks at his joint press
conference with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak yesterday evening (Sunday),
4.6.06:

"I thank you Mr. President for your invitation to meet with me at Sharm
e-Sheikh and for the warm reception and hospitality that you have provided
for myself and my delegation.

On behalf of the State of Israel, I would like to express my deepest regret
over the incident that occurred over the weekend in which two Egyptian
security personnel were killed. We have initiated a joint committee to
investigate the incident; we will consider its findings. Similarly, we have
instructed our security and intelligence forces to cooperate on the issue
and to make every effort to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the
future.

We held a fruitful discussion on the main issues on the agenda, mainly ways
to advance negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA).

I see you, Mr. President, as a true partner in the effort to bring peace to
our region. I intend to closely consult and work with you in order to
advance the peace process. Your contribution is as vital as it was during
the successful implementation of the Disengagement Plan.

I am very pleased by the cooperation between our countries in the struggle
against global terrorism - a plague that strikes at innocent civilians. We
have agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination between us and between
our countries on this issue.

Mr. President, I welcome your commitment to advancing and expanding
bilateral relations. As Industry, Trade and Employment Minister, I was
fortunate enough to sign our bilateral QIZ agreement and we discussed this
today; I have already instructed both my successor as Industry, Trade and
Employment Minister and the relevant officials to expand the bilateral QIZ
agreement.

Israel is committed to the Roadmap and to advancing the bilateral channel
with Mahmoud Abbas, the elected Chairman of the PA. My aspiration is to
exhaust all avenues in order to advance this channel. I intend to meet with
PA Chairman Abbas in order to encourage the process that will enable us to
achieve progress in accordance with the Roadmap. I discussed this of course
with President Mubarak, who is the most experienced statesman in our region
and is certainly the most experienced in contacts that could lead to peace
agreements. I very much hope that the Palestinian partners will utilize
this opportunity to implement all of their commitments in order to make it
possible to move forward in accordance with the Roadmap.

Of course, Israel expects that the Palestinian government will fully
implement the demands of the Quartet and the international community and
thus make it possible to hold negotiations on the basis of the Roadmap. We
have not hidden our view that if this does not occur and that if we reach
the conclusion that it will not occur, we will have no alternative but to
look for other ways in order to move the situation in the Middle East and in
order to prevent stalemate from taking over the reality in the Middle East.

We also discussed the humanitarian situation in the PA areas and we will
take all measures in order to prevent a humanitarian crisis. This is also
the reason that we decided to allocate NIS 50 million for medical supplies
for the Palestinian population; we are working in cooperation with the
international organizations that are active in Gaza in order to meet the
humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population.

We also appreciate the humanitarian assistance that Egypt is providing to
the Palestinians, which includes many trucks laden with food and medicines
and I informed the President that I have instructed our people on the ground
to remove any bureaucratic obstacles that might prevent Egypt from
delivering the assistance that it is providing to the Palestinians in the
Gaza Strip as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

And lastly, permit me to take this opportunity to add something personal
that is not in the written statement. Mr. President, this was a very moving
personal experience for me to sit with you now for approximately 1.5 hours,
to hold talks and to listen to one of the most experienced and important
leaders that I have had the opportunity of meeting with.

Bilateral relations between Israel and Egypt are very fundamental and very
important to our worldview and to the network of relations that we want to
build in the region, and the leadership of Hosni Mubarak is an important key
to the success of this process.

I very much thank you Mr. President and I hope that we will be able to
continue both our discussions and bilateral relations in this spirit and in
the atmosphere that has prevailed at our meeting today at Sharm e-Sheikh.

Thank you."

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: MKs urge discussion of Eiland's remarks
blasting absence of planning of withdrawals

MKs urge discussion of Eiland's pullout remarks

By Gideon Alon Haaretz 5 June 2006
www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/722928.html

[IMRA: In the longer Hebrew edition item Minister of Housing Meir Sheetrit
(Kadima - previously Likud) told Haaretz that "What Eiland said is
absolutely correct. Before the implementation of the disengagement there
were a few discussions, mostly on the compensation law. After the
disengagement there was never a proper discussion at any forum in order to
examine the results and reach conclusions." He also note that there has yet
to be any "proper discussion" held on the Olmert's consolidation plan.

The Likud is quoted in the article as saying that "Before Olmert goes on
series of appearance around the world in order to market his plan for
unilateral withdrawal. it is best that he take Eiland's words seriously."]

www.haaretz.co.il/hasite/pages/ShArtPE.jhtml?itemNo=722992&contrassID=2&subContrassID=21&sbSubContrassID=0

Senior lawmakers yesterday demanded that a key Knesset committee discuss
outgoing National Security Council chief Giora Eiland's remarks to Haaretz,
in which he criticized the disengagement from the Gaza Strip as a "missed
opportunity of historic proportions" that was marred by faulty planning.

In the weekend interview to Haaretz, Eiland also spoke against a unilateral
withdrawal in the West Bank, saying that it would lead to a "radical Hamas
state, not satisfied and not viable," and a situation of "continuous
instability."

MK Ran Cohen (Meretz) and MK Avraham Ravitz (United Torah Judaism) yesterday
demanded that Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Tzachi
Hanegbi schedule a special session to discuss Eiland's views.

Ravitz said Eiland's comments represented "a political-defense bombshell,"
which necessitated an urgent debate. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense
Minister Amir Peretz and Eiland should all be called to address the
committee and answer questions, Ravitz said.

Cohen also said Eiland should be summoned before the committee, to testify
about what Cohen called the government's "faulty handling" of political and
security issues.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: [Negotiations without compliance]Abu Rudenha Voices
Readiness for Immediate Negotiations Based On Road Map

Abu Rudenha Voices Readiness for Immediate Negotiations Based On Road Map
www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=16380

RAMMALLAH, Palestine, June 5, 2006 (IPC+ Agencies) -[Official PA website]
The Palestinian presidency asserted yesterday its willingness to immediate
negotiations with the Israelis based on the internationally-sponsored road
map peace plan, in first repose to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in his
meeting with the Egyptian President Mohammed Hussni Mubrak in the Sharm Al
Sheikh red resort.

Nabil Abu Rudenha, presidency's spokesperson said "we are ready to go
immediately into negotiation with the Israelis on the basis of Road map with
no preconditions." But Abu Rudenha told associated Press "the prerequisite
is to end the Israeli aggressions, siege, construction of the apartheid wall
and stop all measures of imposing new facts on the ground and release the
PNA worth money withheld by Israel to evade humanitarian crisis.'

About the anticipated meeting between the President Mahmoud Abbas and Olmert
, Abu Rudenha said " in principle there has been a meeting but nor date or
place set."

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday he will meet Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas to urge the resumption of negotiations on an
internationally backed peace plan.

At a news conference with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Olmert said "I
really hope that our Palestinian partners will take advantage of this
opportunity and will implement all their commitments so that it will be
possible to proceed according to the 'road map,'" Olmert said.

The Israeli leader said his first priority is to resume peace talks, but
conditions set by Israel n are not met, Israel will take unilateral
measures.

"If this does not happen, or when we come to the conclusion that it is not
happening, we will have no choice but to find other ways to move the
situation in the Middle East forward and not to allow stagnation to take
hold," Olmert emphasized.

It is worthwhile to mention that the Palestinian -Israeli contacts has been
frozen since Hamas brought to power in January's Palestinian legislative
council elections.

The Egyptian President said at the press conference with Olmert "the present
mission is how to bring all partied concerned together at the negotiating
table, this is the basic option but if we could not, a different discussion
would be required."

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Jordanian normalization supporters seek
8 women to join a course in Israel

Normalization supporters seek 18 women to join a course in Israel
www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Jun/05/7.htm

Amman, 05 June (Petra - Jordan News Agency) Supporters of normalization of
relations with Israel are dying hard to find 18 Jordanian women needed for
participation in "Woman Leadership" course, due to be held in Israel from 28
June to 10 July, Al-Arab Al-Yawm daily said Monday. The course is organized
by the international Israeli institute Beit Berl, known to be organizing
courses for Jordanian citizens.

The newspaper attributed to special sources that normalization supporters
have to deliver the passports of the potential participants to the Israeli
embassy in Amman on 8 June.

The paper highlighted that as time is ticking out; supporters of
normalization are facing solid disagreement of most of the women approached
for traveling to Israel. The number the Israeli side needs does not exceed
more than 18 Jordanian women for each course.

Petra \ Imad

05/06/2006 09:41:57

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: President Abbas Meets EU's Solana in Ramallah
- referendum would be held just if the dialogue fails

President Abbas Meets EU's Solana in Ramallah
http://english.wafa.ps/body.asp?id=6485

RAMALLAH, June 5, 2006, (WAFA - PLO news agency)- President Mahmoud Abbas
said that holding a referendum on the "National Reconciliation Document",
proposed by the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, is a means rather
than a target. During a joint press conference on Monday with the EU High
Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Javier
Solana, in Ramallah, Abbas asserted that the referendum would be held just
if the dialogue failed. President called on all Palestinian factions to
adopt the document of the prisoners, hoping that the dialogue will succeed.
He praised the role of the EU and Solana himself in supporting the
Palestinian people. Abbas said that the EU has been working for ending the
political and economic siege on the Palestinian people. Mr. Solana revealed
that the EU is committed to resume supporting the Palestinian people. "The
Palestinian people can be assured that the EU will not let them down and we
will continue to support them as much as we can. The amount of money which
will be spent in the year 2006 will be more than that spent in 2005," he
told the press conference.

Regarding the mechanisms of supporting the Palestinian people, Solana said
that EU works on a mechanism to put the money in a context of humanitarian
aid in broader context and to get as many donors in the same mechanism.

Solana asserted on the necessity of the Palestinian Israeli dialogue, adding
that he would talk with the Israelis to launch talks.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: FM Livni meets with EU counterpart Solana

FM Livni meets with EU counterpart Solana
(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesman)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni held a working
meeting today (Monday, 5 June 2006) in Jerusalem with her European Union
counterpart, Javier Solana. They discussed a wide range of issues on
Israel's political agenda with the EU, in preparation for Livni's visit next
week to Brussels, where she will appear before the Council of the European
Union.

Both ministers lauded the ongoing fruitful cooperation between the EU and
Israel, as well as their common political outlook and identical interests.
Minister Livni stressed the need to persevere with the international
delegitimization of the Palestinian Authority's Hamas government and its
positions, particularly its continuing refusal to fulfill the three minimal
conditions set by the international community (recognizing Israel and its
right to exist, carrying out all previous agreements, and the total
renunciation of terrorism and violence).

She added that Israel would strive to ease humanitarian issues for the
Palestinian people as much as possible, "out of the recognition that it
should not be punished for its vote." Nevertheless, she said, it must be
assured that this is done directly and not by means of mechanisms controlled
by Hamas. Livni singled out the Palestnian educational system, stating that,
"The world cannot permit itself a Hamas educational system that inculcates
hatred and violence."

Another topic of discussion was the recently issued "Palestinian prisoners'
manifesto," which has become the focus of a challenge by PA Chairman Mahmoud
Abbas to Hamas. Minister Livni emphasized that Israel considers this an
internal Palestinian document and has intentionally refrained from relating
to its specific contents. "We are carefully following the Palestinians'
internal developments," she added.

Livni emphasized that the policy of the government of Israel is based on the
desire to further a two-state solution and that unilateralism is not
Israel's ideology. Accordingly, Israel would strive to advance this solution
from the point of view that this is a common interest. "Certainly, Israel's
interest in furthering a two-state solution is shared by the Europeans and
by moderate elements on the Palestinian side, those who are willing to
recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.

Minister Livni added that she intends to present her ideas next week to the
Council of the European Union.

Solana, who is the EU's highest representative on foreign policy and
security issues, surveyed the various European atttitudes regarding aid to
the Palestinians, while emphasizing the need to avoid granting legitimacy to
the Hamas government.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Banks in oPt not Paying Salaries Today Following
no Transfer of Money from Finance Ministry

Banks in oPt not Paying Salaries Today Following no Transfer of Money from
Finance Ministry
www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=16383

GAZA, Palestine, June 5, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) [Official PA website]- - A
senior financial source said that all the Palestinian banks will not
disburse salaries to the Palestinian employees with the exception of the
Bank of Palestine, because the Ministry of Finance has not yet transferred
these required amounts to cover these salaries.

According to what was announced by Prime Minister Ismail Haniya and Finance
Minister Dr. Omar Abdel Razeq, about 40,000 of the lowest-paid employees
will receive their salaries up to 1,500 Shekels (around $331), while the
rest of the 165,000 employees will have to wait.

However, the source confirmed that the Finance Ministry have been able to
only cover up to 13 million shekels out of the 60 million required to cover
the salaries of those receiving less than the determined amount.

According to Al-Ayyam newspaper, the banks operating in the occupied
Palestinian territories (oPt) will continue giving credit to its clients as
was the case in the past month, determined individually for each client,
without being connected to the government's decision.

During a meeting held in Ramallah City on Sunday for the representatives of
the banks, they expressed amazement over the statement of government
officials who claimed to have transferred the salaries of 40,000 employees
to the banks.

"All the banks decided not to deal with the government's decision because
the amount it announced was not transferred to the banks, but the banks will
continue adopting the policy it has in the past months, of giving credit to
each client depending on each account's status, without limiting it to 1,500
shekels," the source told Al-Ayyam.

However, the Bank of Palestine, though declaring its commitment to the joint
position of the banks, decided that all the employees who have bank accounts
in it would be able to draw an advance of up to 1,500 shekels through
automated teller machines (ATM) - which already started yesterday night.

According to the sources at the bank, the amount required to cover the money
drawn by government employees who have accounts at the Bank of Palestine
equals almost 13 million shekels - which is the amount the Palestinian
government has managed to secure so far.

The financial sources asserted that the debt of government employees to the
banks operating in the Palestinian territories have shot up by 400 million
shekels (around $88 million) in the past three months, reaching 1.6 billion
shekels (about $370 million), which means that their accounts can no longer
stand credit draws.

Palestinian militant groups have previously accused the banks of
participating in the siege and starvation of the Palestinian people, after
distributing a press statement accusing them of being "a tool to implement
the Zionist siege."

But the banks responded with a press statement asserting that they had dealt
with the financial crisis of the Palestinian Authority "with a positive and
a patriotic attitude", and abided by the instructions of the Palestinian
Monetary Authority not to impose charges or fees on delayed loan payments
and credit drawing of government employees.

The statement also stressed the importance of calming the situation and not
to throw banks between the hammer and a hard place, and cooperate to find
solutions for the deteriorated economic conditions.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Judeh: CBJ may close some Jordanian
banks' branches in Palestinian territories

Judeh: CBJ may close some Jordanian banks' branches in Palestinian
territories
\www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Jun/05/113.htm

Amman, June 5 (Petra - Jordan News Agency) -- Government Spokesman Nasser
Judeh said on Monday it's possible for the Central Bank of Jordan(CBJ) to
close down some or all branches of Jordanian banks in the Palestinian
territories if they are threatned.

The CBJ continuously follows up the latest developments and takes necessary
measure to preserve files and records in a secure place, Judeh told
reporters today during his weekly press meeting at Prime Ministry.

Concerning the money remittance coming from abroad to the Palestinian
government, Judeh noted that the decision of accepting or rejecting them is
left for the discretion of the management of every bank, taking into
consideration that any bank receives such remittances the US and European
banks will freeze their commercial works with it.

In a response to a question includes that the Jordan's government seeks to
undermine Hamas' domination in Jordan and strengthen Fatah' strengthen,
Judeh reaffirmed that Jordan's arena is not for competition among
non-Jordanian factions, adding Jordan's government doesn't work in this
frame and the government doesn't have any agenda.

Judeh renewed Jordan's stance rejecting what is so called the alternative
home, affirming that any one who dreams that Jordan will be an alternative
home, the dream won't be achieved.

Judeh answered /no/ to a question related to whether Jordan will give the
Syrian opposition a permission to open an office in Jordan, in case the
latter asks for that.

"Jordan is keen to see Iraq united and secure and join the international
community and practice its important role at all levels," Judeh underlined.
He added that Jordan fully supported the new Iraqi government when it was
formed, citing that King Abdullah's phone call with Iraqi President Jalal
Talabani and Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit's phone call with Iraqi Prime
Minister Malaki to congratulate them shows Jordan's keenness to see the new
Iraqi government practicing its full authorities to alleviate the tensions
and violence in Iraq.

On the authorized party designated to collect financial support for the
Palestinian people, Judeh underlined that the designated party for this
purpose is the Jordanian Hashemite Charitable Organization (JHCO).

On Hamas' weapons and the Arab mediation, Judeh explained that there was
neither mediation nor negotiation. He noted there were signals dispatched by
Hamas to Jordan through Arab parties. He also noted that there was no
negotiation behind the scenes between Jordan and Hamas, reaffirming that
Jordan's stance is clear related to this issue, there was an outstanding
security issue at the Jordanian arena needed a solution before entering
political contacts.

Judeh said it's necessary for Hamas to dispatch a security team, adding the
team should be acquainted with the issue to look into the complete details
and to reveal further information, especially the weapon's catches.

On draft law of combating terrorism that is rejected by some opposition
political parties and organizations of human rights and approved by
Jordanian government, Judeh said the rejection of draft law is out of
institutionalized process and constitutional measures, it is up to the
parliament to reject the draft law.

Wardat/Petra

05/06/2006 22:13:44

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From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: IDF Targets Terror Operative in Northern Gaza

IDF targets terror operative in northern Gaza

In a security forces operation a short while ago east of Jabaliya, the IDF
carried out an aerial attack against a vehicle carrying an operative of the
Popular Resistance Committees organization, who was involved in two bombing
attempts, the launching of projectile rockets at Israel and other terror
activity.

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From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: IDF: Palestinian conflict to escalate [even if retreat]

IDF: Palestinian conflict to escalate
Associated Press, THE JERUSALEM POST Jun. 5, 2006
www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1148482108240&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

The IDF estimates that it is headed toward another violent round of clashes
with the Palestinians following a period of relative calm, senior security
officials said.

The dreary prognosis is based on the army's five-year plan for 2006-2011,
which will be made public in July.

According to the assessment, army intelligence officials believe Prime
Minister Ehud Olmert's ambitious plan to withdraw from large parts of the
West Bank will not do anything to decrease the scope of daily violence in
the region. Instead, the army is moving forward based on a working plan that
it is nearing another round of bloody violence with the Palestinians.

"The Palestinian society has chosen a path in which there is no compromise,"
a senior officer said, referring to the recent victory by Hamas in
legislative elections.

The officials said the assessment is based on intelligence but gave no
further details. They spoke on condition of anonymity
because the document has not been released.

The army traditionally has pessimistic outlooks, with working plans based on
"worst case scenarios." However, in the 1990s it also spoke about "a window
of opportunity" to make peace with Palestinians.

The No. 1 danger to Israel, as outlined in the five-year plan, is the
Iranian nuclear program, which is defined as an "existential threat to
Israel." It is followed by the threat of a renewed low-intensity conflict
with the Palestinians. The third level of threat is all-out war.

In order to prepare for a conflict with the Palestinians, the army will
shift its resources toward counter-terrorism units and away from traditional
forms of warfare, such as the armor, artillery and engineering corps.

The army's general staff is expected to formally authorize the five-year
plan in early July.

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Subject: IMRA Subscription Info

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End of [imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1410 (11 messages)
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