[imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1331 (10 messages)

imra Thu Feb 16 02:20:05 2006 Volume 2 : Issue 1331

In this issue of the imra daily Digest:

[Mind reading?]Acting PM Olmert's Address to the Conference
of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
PSR Exit POll Results - PCL Elections (February 2006)
PSR Exit Polls: even split on weapons collection & mutual
PM Barak & MK Ze'evi Letters: No Bank Account for Pollard
World and Arab Reactions over
New Hamas-led Government Flow
PLC Cedes Legislative Power to President, Hamas Cries Foul
Text:Russian FM talks with UN Sec'y Gen. Annan,
US Sec'y of State Rice, etc. about invitation to Hamas
MEMRI:Syrian Gov't Daily Suggests Israel Created, Spread Avian Flu
Text: Egyptian Presidenti Mubarak interviewed on Israel Television
Likud website launched with strong videos www.likud.org.il

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: [Mind reading?]Acting PM Olmert's Address to the Conference
of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

[IMRA: It should be noted that Mr. Olmerts' description of the positions of
various foreign parties vis-a-vis Hamas is more a "wish list" than reality.
Then again, last night when Israel Television Channel One Mabat news
correspondent Oded Granot introduced his exclusive interview with President
Mubarak he explained that, contrary to what Muibarak said in the interview
about Hamas, Granot knows that Mubarak thinks that Hamas must a priori meet
certain requirements.

Thus one is left to wonder if Mr. Olmert's team is also relying on their
mind reading powers rather than their ability to hear what people say and
read what people write in order to determine the position of various foreign
parties.]

February 14, 2006

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

Todah Rabah. Mr. Chairman, my friend, Harold Tanner, the Executive Vice
President of the Presidents Conference, Malcolm Hoenlein, the former
Chairman, my dear friend, Ken Bialkin, Chairman of Mifal Hapayis, Shimon
Katzelnelson, and Chairman of the Board of El Al, Issie Borovitz,
distinguished members of the Presidents Conference, dear guests, dear
friends:

I want to start in Hebrew, for one reason mainly. I can see that there are
quite a few Israeli faces here and I like to take this opportunity to
introduce you to the Israeli people. So with your permission, I will start
in Hebrew and I'll switch into English.

{Translation from Hebrew:}

Dear guests,

I am proud to once again be a guest of the Conference of Presidents of Major
Jewish Organizations in the United States. This is a unique forum which
serves as an umbrella for numerous and very different organizations,
reflecting the generosity of the vast Jewish community in the United States
of America.

However, there are two things that make this conference - which incorporates
the numerous Jewish organizations - unique. One - a deep commitment to the
welfare of the Jewish people in America and anywhere else in the world. It
is by no coincidence that this conference comes here from Azerbaijan, where
it visited the Jewish community and expressed its commitment to Jews at risk
in other countries, far from America and far from Israel. The second thing
which characterizes the Conference of Presidents is its unyielding, powerful
and long-standing support of the State of Israel and the Government of
Israel. On behalf of the State of Israel and the Government of Israel, I
wish to thank you for your assistance and support, and for your deep bond
and unrelenting daily efforts to strengthen the State of Israel and
guarantee its safety, security, development and prosperity.

The circumstances under which we operate are not easy. During the past few
weeks, an event has happened that is already affecting and will continue to
affect the atmosphere that we are facing. I would like to say here -
although I am certain you already know it, but it is important to say: the
State of Israel will neither negotiate nor compromise under any conditions
with a terrorist organization whose ideology and platform calls for the
elimination of the State of Israel.

We are proud that the international community, headed by the President of
the United States and the Secretary of State, is taking an uncompromising
stand, which cannot be misinterpreted or misunderstood. As long as Hamas,
which won the Palestinian elections, refuses to acknowledge the agreements
signed with the State of Israel, continues to be involved in terrorist
activity, does not change its charter and does not recognize Israel's right
to exist in peace and security as a Jewish state, there will be no
negotiation with this organization, no recognition and no progress vis-a-vis
a Palestinian Authority which is based on the Hamas organization or on a
partnership with the Hamas. It will not gain any recognition from the
international community, under the leadership and with the support of the
United States of America.

And now, with your permission, I must also say a few words in English.

First and foremost, I want to express again our deep thanks to the
Presidents Conference for your tireless efforts for the State of Israel and
the people of Israel at all times. The fact that you are here with such a
powerful representation of the big Jewish community of the United States of
America is another testament to the loyalty and devotion of this great
community to the State of Israel and the Jewish people. I must tell you
that in difficult times for our people here, we are always relieved, because
we know that we can rely on your support. We can trust your efforts, we can
build on the power of your dedication to the wellbeing of the State of
Israel and the Jewish people. I am familiar enough with the very rich and
pluralistic life of the Jewish community in America to know that sometimes
there are slight differences amongst the different organizations. There are
some on the right, there are some on the left, there are some in the center,
you have different understandings and practices of your Jewish faith, which
is perfectly legitimate, and sometimes there may be arguments about these
issues, within the context of your communal life in the United States of
America. And yet there is one thing which always unites you, and which is
a source of great pride for us, and this is your total devotion to the State
of Israel and the Jewish people. You leave all your differences aside when
it comes to the State of Israel. And you manifest your support in a manner
which makes the life of this country, particularly in difficult times,
easier and simpler. And there is no end to the gratitude that we feel.

And I know that when I say this, I speak for my friend and leader, Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon. There was nothing which he loved more than to meet
people. There was no group which made him feel more at home than when he
met with all of you. Not because he ignored the diversity of human
presentation, but because he recognized that which comes above it and this
is your love for Israel and the Jewish people. And therefore I feel that
whatever I say, I represent that which I am absolutely confident, feel to
say to you, had he been able to be here tonight as he used to do whenever
you came to share with us, your concerns, your aspirations, and your love,
for our people and for our country. In the next four years, we will have to
work together as we did in many years in order to strengthen the Jewish
education in the different Jewish communities across the world, and first
and foremost in your country. We will work together in order to explain to
the many Jewish youth how important Israel is and how anxious we are that
Jews from every corner of the world, but first of all from the United States
of America, will ultimately make aliyah and come and live with us. We will
continue to participate in all the programs that will encourage Jewish youth
to come and visit the State of Israel as we do with birthright and with Masa
so that more and more Jewish youth will get a better understanding, a
greater acquaintance, a deeper perception, of the significance of the State
of Israel and its centrality in the life of the Jews wherever they may be.
I know this is not the kind of political issue which is now on top of the
agenda, but trust me, this is the issue which is on top of the priorities of
the State of Israel for many years to come. Because the strengths of the
State of Israel will ultimately depend on the sense of togetherness and the
feeling of many Jews that they are a part of whatever happens here. And the
wish to be involved, not just from a distance, not just from far apart, but
from within us, in the challenges which face our country and our people.
And there are quite a few. I just mentioned when I talked earlier in Hebrew
that there are two major problems that we face on these days. One which is
certainly affecting the future chances for a meaningful peace process
between us and the. Palestinians, and this is the emerging of Hamas which is
a terrorist organization, as the winner of the last elections for the
Palestinian Parliament. I know that everyone is excited because they
actually won an absolute majority although the absolute majority is in a
number of representatives, not necessarily in the number of voters, but it
makes no difference. And as far as we are concerned, the truth is that it
wouldn't have made any difference even had they not won an absolute majority
but just 40 or 45 or 48 percent of the popular vote and the .its more or
less the same. Maybe had it not been an absolute majority, it would have
misled someone to believe that we can still maneuver as if it makes a
dramatic difference. It doesn't. Palestinian government under the
leadership of Mahmoud Abbas, whom we'll respect and support as the elected
leader of the Palestinian people, will now have to make a serious choice
about their priorities. Do they want to become part of the terrorist
organization or do they want, even at this late stage, to take serious
action in order to once and for all disarm the terrorist organization and
force them to recognize the agreements signed with the State of Israel and
change their covenant so that they will understand that there can be only
one basis for a future process between us and them. And this is the basis
of mutual recognition of non-violence and of their recognition of the right
of Israel to exist as a Jewish State in peace and security in our homeland.

We are quite comfortable with the decision of the President of the United
States of America and subsequently of the quartet and many leading western
democracy to accept these three conditions as the basis for any future
development. And I here, on behalf of the Government of Israel pledge to
you that we will not negotiate and we will not deal with the Palestinian
Authority that will be dominated, wholly or partly, by a terrorist
organization. On the day that the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority,
Abu Mazen, will appoint a candidate, from the Hamas to lead the Palestinian
government, we will review all of our contacts with the Palestinian
Authority. Because once the government is dominated by a majority of Hamas
people, it ceases to be the authority which it was. It becomes something
entirely different. Something that Israel is not ready to compromise with
nor is it ready to actualize it. So these are very difficult days. Not for
us, because our position is clear. The principles we have set forth are
acceptable and we are going to stick to it and we will not succumb to any
possible demands or requests that may come from any place and they don't
come by it. We are proud that even leaders of Arab countries, such as
President Mubarak, and King Abdullah of Jordan, have spelled out these same
principles as their demand from Hamas following the elections. I know that
there are always fears. We are not happy with the statement made by Russia
and the invitation to Hamas. We heard the explanations that they are going
to influence the Hamas to accept these three principles that was set force
by the international community. I'm not certain that in order to make this
demand, they need to be invited as honorable guests to any capital in Europe
or any other place. I am very comfortable with the statement, the
assurances and the commitments made by all other leaders, including
President Chirac, who told me that these three principles are not
negotiable. France will not agree under any circumstance to accept any
change in these three basic demands from Hamas as a precondition for any
legitimate participation of Hamas in a Palestinian government that wants to
be recognized by the international community. Now this, of course, can
create some uncertainties, but as far as Israel is concerned, we are very
confident. And I must say also very calm and relaxed. The policy is clear,
our expectations for the Palestinian government are very accurate and
exclusive. Chairman Abu Mazen knows that while we're respecting and we are
prepared to deal with him in the same manner that we have started, we will
not be able to continue the same pattern of relations if he will choose to
surrender to the existence of a terrorist organization rather than to act in
order to disarm it and to change its nature. So the choice is not ours, its
theirs. And they will have to take that decision and we will act with
confidence. We will not rush to do anything that can upset the balance
which has been created. We will continue to fight terror and make all the
necessary arrangements and take all the necessary measures in order to stop
the terrorist organizations from continuing terror against innocent Israeli
citizens in any part of the country, north or south or center as we were
doing in the last few weeks quite successfully. And if our expectations for
a serious change that will lead the Palestinian organizations into a new
posture, as far as Israel is concerned will not materialize, then we will
find the ways to continue to take care of Israeli interests in any possible
way in coordination with the friends of the State of Israel in America and
in Europe.

I know that we are facing elections in Israel and I'm sure that you are also
curious, almost as much as I am, almost, to know what the outcome of these
elections will be. I don't know to say at this point, but we will do
everything in our power to make sure, that this policy and these principles
will prevail in the future which means that we will not close the door to
any possible development that will keep the political horizons promising for
the people of Israel and for the Palestinian people for a major breakthrough
in the near future. But we will not compromise on those fundamental
principles that are essential for the existence and the wellbeing of the
State of Israel and we will continue to fight terror and we will not
recognize, not compromise, not talk and not deal with Hamas which is a
terrorist organization.

I wish that this was the only major problem that we have to do in Israel.
But this is not. We are also looking with great concern and watching with
natural curiosity at this new phenomenon of an Iranian leader who seems to
be obsessed with anti-Semitic hatred for the Jewish people and the State of
Israel as is the new President of Iran, Ahmad Ahmadinijaun. I don't
remember that there was any leader of a major country in the last two years
who had this type of aggression and of hatred as the new President of Iran -
talking about wiping Israel or moving the Jewish People from Israel into no
other place than Germany, and using the worst anti-Semitic expressions that
he could find in the dictionary of anti-Semitism. Had he said only this,
had he done only this, it would have been very bad, because unfortunately,
we have a certain history and we know sometimes that when leaders speak
openly and publicly, on their desire to liquidate the State of Israel and
the Jewish people, they sometimes also try to do. This in itself, is a very
bad sign which should have called the alertness, and the worries of the
entire international community, which I have to say responded with total
disgust to these statements. But on this particular case, no one can ignore
the fact that this is the same leader of the same country which at the same
time while he's talking about the liquidation of the State of Israel, he is
also fighting against the whole world almost in order to possess
non-conventional capabilities that are aimed against the State of Israel. I'm
afraid not only against the State of Israel, but we have a good reason to
think that Israel can be a priority target considering what he says and what
he thinks and what he feels, about our country. In recent weeks, the
international community led by America and the three European countries,
Great Britain, Germany and France decided to refer this issue of the Iranian
nuclear, potential nuclear capabilities, for a report to the Security
Council of the United Nations. This is a first step in a long way. There
has to lead, ought to lead and soon, to a complete control of those who are
capable of doing over any such future attempts by the Iranians to continue
their enrichment of Uranium that might create a non-conventional
capabilities for Iran. I say its a long way, because from this stage today,
there must be a very concrete joint action by the international community
that will stop the Iranians from continuing their efforts to possess nuclear
weapons. There are many different ways to do it. It rests with the
international community. I am asked many times by many concerned people,
what are you going to do at the country which might be the focus of these
efforts and my answer is that Israel is not the only country which has to be
worried and concerned. Every civilized country, America as well as Europe,
share the same concern and therefore are obliged to work together in order
to stop them. And we will work together with our allies and friends and
supporters because this is not the exclusive responsibility or concern of
the State of Israel. It never was, it never will be. It will be ours, all
of us. There are many things that can be done. I will not go into the
details. But one thing must be clear. This has to stop. And leaders such
as Ahmadinijaun, can't be allowed to use this language, to practice these
policies, to threaten other countries the way they do, and to practice
spirit of hatred and anti-Semitism as the present leader of the Iranians do.
And I trust that the outcome of the deliberations and consultations of the
Security Council will lead to a joint action by many countries that will end
up with a clear and powerful action to stop the Iranians.

Finally, my dear friends, this is not an easy time. I must say, it hasn't
been easy for me personally, as you can imagine. One night, almost five
weeks ago, I was told by the Secretary of the Cabinet, and the Attorney
General, and was advised that the Prime Minister lost his conscious, and
that the power of the Prime Minister was bestowed upon me by law. And every
morning I wake up praying as we pray tonight together, that this great hero
of the Jewish people, this powerful leader, will wake up, open his eyes, and
maybe he will say, hey Ehud, you can be relieved of some of your
responsibilities, I am back in town. I pray with all of you, that this day
will come soon. Until then, we have to make sure that the security of the
State of Israel and its citizens is completely protected. And that, which
is equally important, and that there is hope that can light our way to the
future of our people. The people of Israel deserve to have hope that can be
touched in a deep way. The people of Israel deserve to emerge out of these
difficulties and threats and pains and hostilities which were so much part
of our lives for so many years. And I feel that if this is the will of G-d,
that at this time in the life of our country, it will be my responsibility,
I am ready for this responsibility. I am ready to take Israel Kadima. I am
ready to take these hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people, and
millions of Israeli citizens that want to create a new reality together with
us so that if there is a chance, that we will not miss it. We will take
care of our security, we will fight against the terrorists but we will keep
all the doors open for the possible future movement that will create a
better chance for a meaningful dialogue with our neighbors and that will
make sure that we can protect the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic
state. This is our goal. We want every part of the land of Israel but
first and foremost we want to make sure that this country will remain
quieter, a Jewish state and a democratic state even if it forces us to make
sometimes sacrifices and concessions which we don't do out of love, but out
of necessity, and out of concern and out of desire to make sure that this is
a Jewish and democratic state with the united city of Jerusalem as its
capital.

Thank you very much.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: PSR Exit POll Results - PCL Elections (February 2006)

15.Feb.06
On the Election Day for the Second Palestinian Parliament:
A Crumpling Peace Process and a Greater Pubic Complaint of Corruption and
Chaos Gave Hamas a limited Advantage Over Fateh, but Fragmentation within
Fateh Turned that Advantage into an Overwhelming Victory
The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) conducted an
exit poll on the day of the second Palestinian legislative elections on 25
January 2006. The poll aimed at predicting the outcome of the elections as
well as understanding voters' behavior. For the purpose of prediction, 17574
interviews were conducted and for studying electoral behavior, 1694
interviews were conducted. Interviews were conducted in 242 election centers
from a total of 1014 centers. The centers were carefully selected to reflect
the distribution of the electoral districts as well as the place of
residence (city, refugee camp, and village). The sample was later
re-weighted to reflect the actual electoral weight of the districts and
places of residence.
PSR published the results of the exit poll after the closing of the election
centers. Our results gave the advantage to Fateh (42% compared to 35% for
Hamas). The actual results showed Hamas gaining the advantage with 44%
versus Fateh's 41%. In a previous statement, PSR expressed the believe that
the error in the prediction was the result of the large number of rejections
on the day of elections. A total of 3560, or 17%, of the voters in the
sample, refused to be interviewed on the day of election. The rejection, PSR
believes was the result of deliberate incitement against pollsters . In
order to overcome the problem, we have re-weighted the data to reflect the
actual outcome of the elections for the lists in the districts and at the
national level. The following results and analysis are based on the
re-weighted data which reflect the actual outcome of the elections with the
advantage going to Hamas rather than Fateh.
Main Findings:
The results of the exit poll clearly show that Hamas' victory in the
legislative elections was due to three factors:
(1) The peace process is no longer at the top of people's priorities:
Findings show that only a small minority of voters considered the peace
process to be a top Palestinian priority. Voters saw the peace process
deadlocked with little or no chance for revitalization. The only sign of
hope was the Israeli unilateral disengagement, as reflected in the
dismantlement of all settlements in the Gaza Strip and few in the West Bank,
a step the public viewed as victory for armed struggle and gave Hamas most
of the credit for. A negotiated peace process was the centerpiece of Fateh's
national agenda; therefore, the collapse of diplomacy dealt a heavy blow to
the national movement. Despite the widespread belief among voters that Fateh
is the most able to reach a peace agreement with Israel, the retreat in the
status of the peace process in their hierarchy of priorities translated into
a big loss for Fateh. This outcome should not however be interpreted as
indicating a decline in the level of support for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
Indeed, exit poll results clearly indicate that a clear majority of Fateh
supporters as well as the combined voters of all other nationalist lists as
well as one third of Hamas voters support the basic elements of the peace
process such as the two state solution, the implementation of the Road Map,
and the collection of arms from all armed militias and groups.
(2) State-building failures: findings depict a widespread voter
disillusionment with PA governance particularly in areas of fighting
corruption and enforcing law and order. These two issues were the top
priorities for the public. Moreover, voters have lost confidence in the
ability of Fateh to lead state building in these two areas. The success of
Hams in elevating the status of corruption and lawlessness to top priorities
constituted a magnificent achievement insuring its victory in the elections.
(3) But Hamas' success would have remained relatively small had it not been
for Fateh's widespread fragmentation in the electoral districts. In fact,
Hamas in did not succeed in winning the support of the majority of the
voters. To the contrary, the majority vote went to Fateh and other
nationalist-secularist groups, which together won 56% of the popular vote
versus Hamas' 44%. The advantage Hamas had over Fateh remained limited to
three percentage points, with Fateh receiving 41% of the popular vote. Fateh's
fragmentation, displayed clearly in the large number of "independent" Fateh
candidates gave Hamas an overwhelming victory despite the fact that its
candidates won the district vote by an average not exceeding 41% to Fateh's
34% with Fateh's "independents" and other candidates winning an average of
25% in the districts. What insured Hamas' great victory in the electoral
districts was the fact that for each Hamas candidate there were 6 opposing
candidates leading to a significant waste of the nationalist vote. Has Fateh
been able to maintain a decent level of cohesion and discipline, for example
by convincing its "independent" candidates to stop their futile race, its
average district vote would have risen to 39% which would have increased its
total district seats by 16 more seats to a total of 33.
For full analysis of the Main Findings of the Exit poll, please click on the
following link:
www.pcpsr.org/survey/polls/2006/exitplcfulljan06e.pdf

End of PSR note

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: PSR Exit Polls: even split on weapons collection & mutual

IMRA: Major findings of the PSR poll:

13) And with regard to the arms in the hands of the armed factions, do you
want it to:
48.6 to pass laws to collect arms from all armed groups whereby the PA
security services would be the only armed force in PA areas?
26.2 to pass laws to keep arms of the armed factions in the hands of the
armed factions
21.3 not to interfere in the issue of the arms of the factions
03.9 DK/NA

14) There is a proposal that after the establishment of an independent
Palestinian state and the settlement of all issues in dispute, including the
refugees and
Jerusalem issues, there will be a mutual recognition of Israel as the state
of the Jewish people and Palestine as the state of the Palestinian people.
Do you agree or
disagree to this proposal.
Definitely agree 18.5 Agree 30.7
Disagree 26.8 Definitely disagree 21.0
DK/NA 3.1

15) What do you expect to happen to the Israelis and Palestinians now after
Israel evacuated all settlements in the Gaza Strip and four in the West Bank
and after
setting the date of January 25 for Palestinian parliamentary elections.
28.3 Negotiations will resume soon enough and armed confrontations will
stop
40.1 Negotiations will resume but some armed attacks will continue
22.3 Armed confrontations will not stop and the two sides will not return
to negotiations
09.3 DK/NA

15.Feb.06
On the Election Day for the Second Palestinian Parliament:
A Crumpling Peace Process and a Greater Pubic Complaint of Corruption and
Chaos Gave Hamas a limited Advantage Over Fateh, but Fragmentation within
Fateh Turned that Advantage into an Overwhelming Victory

The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) conducted an
exit poll on the day of the second Palestinian legislative elections on 25
January 2006. The poll aimed at predicting the outcome of the elections as
well as understanding voters' behavior. For the purpose of prediction, 17574
interviews were conducted and for studying electoral behavior, 1694
interviews were conducted. Interviews were conducted in 242 election centers
from a total of 1014 centers. The centers were carefully selected to reflect
the distribution of the electoral districts as well as the place of
residence (city, refugee camp, and village). The sample was later
re-weighted to reflect the actual electoral weight of the districts and
places of residence.

PSR published the results of the exit poll after the closing of the election
centers. Our results gave the advantage to Fateh (42% compared to 35% for
Hamas). The actual results showed Hamas gaining the advantage with 44%
versus Fateh's 41%. In a previous statement, PSR expressed the believe that
the error in the prediction was the result of the large number of rejections
on the day of elections. A total of 3560, or 17%, of the voters in the
sample, refused to be interviewed on the day of election. The rejection, PSR
believes was the result of deliberate incitement against pollsters . In
order to overcome the problem, we have re-weighted the data to reflect the
actual outcome of the elections for the lists in the districts and at the
national level. The following results and analysis are based on the
re-weighted data which reflect the actual outcome of the elections with the
advantage going to Hamas rather than Fateh.

Main Findings:

The results of the exit poll clearly show that Hamas' victory in the
legislative elections was due to three factors:

(1) The peace process is no longer at the top of people's priorities:
Findings show that only a small minority of voters considered the peace
process to be a top Palestinian priority. Voters saw the peace process
deadlocked with little or no chance for revitalization. The only sign of
hope was the Israeli unilateral disengagement, as reflected in the
dismantlement of all settlements in the Gaza Strip and few in the West Bank,
a step the public viewed as victory for armed struggle and gave Hamas most
of the credit for. A negotiated peace process was the centerpiece of Fateh's
national agenda; therefore, the collapse of diplomacy dealt a heavy blow to
the national movement. Despite the widespread belief among voters that Fateh
is the most able to reach a peace agreement with Israel, the retreat in the
status of the peace process in their hierarchy of priorities translated into
a big loss for Fateh. This outcome should not however be interpreted as
indicating a decline in the level of support for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
Indeed, exit poll results clearly indicate that a clear majority of Fateh
supporters as well as the combined voters of all other nationalist lists as
well as one third of Hamas voters support the basic elements of the peace
process such as the two state solution, the implementation of the Road Map,
and the collection of arms from all armed militias and groups.

(2) State-building failures: findings depict a widespread voter
disillusionment with PA governance particularly in areas of fighting
corruption and enforcing law and order. These two issues were the top
priorities for the public. Moreover, voters have lost confidence in the
ability of Fateh to lead state building in these two areas. The success of
Hams in elevating the status of corruption and lawlessness to top priorities
constituted a magnificent achievement insuring its victory in the elections.

(3) But Hamas' success would have remained relatively small had it not been
for Fateh's widespread fragmentation in the electoral districts. In fact,
Hamas in did not succeed in winning the support of the majority of the
voters. To the contrary, the majority vote went to Fateh and other
nationalist-secularist groups, which together won 56% of the popular vote
versus Hamas' 44%. The advantage Hamas had over Fateh remained limited to
three percentage points, with Fateh receiving 41% of the popular vote.
Fateh's
fragmentation, displayed clearly in the large number of "independent" Fateh
candidates gave Hamas an overwhelming victory despite the fact that its
candidates won the district vote by an average not exceeding 41% to Fateh's
34% with Fateh's "independents" and other candidates winning an average of
25% in the districts. What insured Hamas' great victory in the electoral
districts was the fact that for each Hamas candidate there were 6 opposing
candidates leading to a significant waste of the nationalist vote. Has Fateh
been able to maintain a decent level of cohesion and discipline, for example
by convincing its "independent" candidates to stop their futile race, its
average district vote would have risen to 39% which would have increased its
total district seats by 16 more seats to a total of 33.

For full analysis of the Main Findings of the Exit poll, please click on the
following link:

www.pcpsr.org/survey/polls/2006/exitplcfulljan06e.pdf

End of PSR note

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: PM Barak & MK Ze'evi Letters: No Bank Account for Pollard

PM Barak & MK Ze'evi Letters: No Bank Account for Pollard

Justice4JP Release - February 15, 2006

A canard which has dogged the Pollard case since its inception is the lie
that Jonathan Pollard either received money from the Israeli Government, or
is receiving money from the Israeli Government, or that a secret bank
account exists and money is being put away for Pollard by the Israeli
Government.

All of the above claims are simply lies which have at various times been
leaked to the media by "unnamed Government officials" in order to discredit
Pollard and undermine public support for him.

These lies have become so routine that -even though they both know the
truth - the State's Defense Counsel had no shame in introducing such lies
into its recent response to Pollard's appeal to the High Court of Israel to
be recognized as a Prisoner of Zion; and the High Court of Israel brazenly
accepted these lies at face value, without a shred of evidence!

The truth is: neither Jonathan Pollard, nor his wife, Esther Pollard, has
ever received a cent from the Government of Israel. Not now. Not in the
past. Not ever. And there is no secret bank account for Pollard for future
use.

Some years ago, anxious to put an end to these lies about Pollard once and
for all, Minister Rechavaam Ze'evi, then head of the Knesset Lobby for
Jonathan Pollard, wrote a letter to Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud
Barak in which he asked a series of questions to clarify the matter. PM
Barak responded and unequivocally laid to rest all of the lies about Pollard
having received money from Israel and about the existence of a secret bank
account in Israel.

The correspondence between Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak
and MK Rechavaam Ze'evi (translated below) occurred in March of 2000,
following the publication of these lies in an authoritative-sounding article
in Ha'aretz newspaper. The translation of these letters and the original
documents are being published on the web for the first time. English
translation of both letters follows below.

Click here to see the Original Documents.

See Also:
Yediot Achronot: Defense Ministry Says Pollard Didn't Get Money - July 16,
2004

Minster Ze'evi's Letter to PM Barak
(Translated to English by J4JP)

The Knesset

Member of Knesset

1 of Adar II, 5760
March 8, 2000
Letter no M-8932

To Defense Minister Ehud Barak
The Kyria
Tel Aviv

Shalom rav! (Warm greetings!)

RE: Bank Account for Jonathan Pollard

I have learned from the media that "Jonathan Pollard's bank account in
Israel is enriched every month by triple his last salary at the time he was
active and is linked to the rate of the dollar and to the cost of living."
(Ha'aretz 31/01/00).

I would appreciate receiving your responses to the following questions:

1) Is this information true?

2) Has this information been shared with Jonathan Pollard?

3) Who is the government official responsible for depositing money into this
account?

4) Who is authorized to access this account?

(signed)

With blessing
MK Rechavaam Ze'evi

PM/ DM Ehud Barak's Response to MK Ze'vi
(Translated to English by J4JP)

The Ministry of Defense

Minister of Defense

The Kyria
10 of Adar II, 5760
March 17, 2000.

To: MK Rechavaam Ze'evi
The Knesset
Jerusalem

Shalom rav! (Warm greetings!)

Re: Jonathan Pollard

In response to your letter M-8932 of March 8, 2000.

The information which was published regarding a bank account in Israel for
Pollard, is not true. Nevertheless, the State has informed the High Court of
Justice, in response to a petition submitted by Mr. Pollard, that it will
not evade its responsibilities to take care of Pollard, when he is released
from prison.

(signed)
with blessing
Ehud Barak
Prime Minister and Defense Minister
__________________

See also:

Hebrew Original Documents: PM Barak & MK Ze'evi Letters:
No Bank Account for Pollard http://www.jonathanpollard.org/

Yediot Achronot: Defense Ministry Says Pollard Didn't Get Money - July 2004
www.jonathanpollard.org/2004/081604.htm

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: World and Arab Reactions over
New Hamas-led Government Flow

World and Arab Reactions over New Hamas-led Government Flow
www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=13685

GAZA, Palestine, February15,2006 (IPC+Agencies) -[Official PA website] - The
Arab and international reactions continued to stream with approaching the
day in which Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, will make up the
Palestinian government and the possible scenarios to deal with the upcoming
Hams-led government.

The international community in particular the European Union demanded Hamas
to recognize Israel, renounce violence and disarm it military wing as a
prerequisite for the continuation of International aids to the Palestinian
people.

In a statement on Tuesday from Egypt's President Hussni Mubark, the Egyptian
leader said that threats from the newly elected Hamas party to destroy
Israel should not be taken at face value, and that Hamas had showed signs of
flexibility in recent days regarding its stance towards its neighbor.

"We also said in the past that we would throw Israel into the sea,"
referring to Egypt's former stance against its neighbor, Israel.

"And where are you now," Mubarak added, according to the AP and Haaretz.

The Egyptian leader reportedly implied that a peace agreement between Israel
and Hamas was a possibility in the future.

Mubarak had met with Israel's Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz in Cairo on
Tuesday to discuss strategies to deal with the political changes surrounding
Hamas' rise to power in the Palestinian territories.

On his part, Jordan's King Abdullah II said The future of the Middle East
peace process depends greatly on Israel's parliamentary elections next month
and the plans of the future Hamas-led government in the Palestinian
territories,.

The king's comments, released by the royal palace, came during talks here
Tuesday with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is touring
the region.

"The future of the Middle East peace process depends largely on the results
of the Israeli elections next month and the announcement of the Palestinian
governmental programme," he said.
Abdullah also urged "Germany and the European Union to continue to support
the Palestinians to put bring and end to the economic crisis it faces."

EU foreign-policy boss Javier Solana said yesterday that he saw "no problem"
with Russia's invitation to the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas to
negotiate in Moscow, or with France's support for Russian president Putin's
initiative.

Russian president Vladimir Putin justified the invitation on the grounds
that Russian has never considered Hamas to be a terrorist group, unlike its
other three partners mediating in the Middle East crisis, the US, the UN,
and the EU.

Solana said yesterday in Cairo that Hamas must meet three criteria in order
to make it an eligible negotiations partner for the EU: "peace, the
acceptance of two states, and recognition of the other." But, though Hamas
has not fulfilled even one of those conditions, as it still does not
recognize Israel and calls for terrorism as "resistance," Solana saw no
problem with Russian negotiations with the group.

France called the Russian invitation "an important historic event," though
Hamas is on the EU's list of terrorist organizations.

French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said yesterday in Moscow, "I
hope that at the meeting Hamas will be capable of calibrating its
responsibility and of understanding the chance to advance along the road to
recognition of the UN resolution on the coexistence of the Israeli and
Palestinian states."

De Villepin added that France considered Hamas to be a terrorist
organization, but that the international community should "take into account
the democratic option taken by the Palestinian people and try to accept as
soon as possible the logic of peaceful dialogue with Hamas."

France is the only country that has supported Putin's invitation to Hamas.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: PLC Cedes Legislative Power to President, Hamas Cries Foul

PLC Cedes Legislative Power to President, Hamas Cries Foul
Palestinian Outgoing MPs Empower Abbas to Revoke Laws, Dissolve PLC
14/02/2006
www.palestine-pmc.com/details.asp?cat=1&id=1094

Palestine Media Center - PMC

At the last minute before ceding their mandate to the new parliament and in
a final act that Hamas officials called a "white coup d'etat," the outgoing
Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) on Monday empowered President Mahmoud
Abbas to revoke laws and even to dissolve the new PLC dominated by the
Islamic Resistance Movement, which won the legislative elections in a
landslide on January 25, and is scheduled to be sworn in on Saturday,
February 18.

Hamas with 74 seats in the 132-seat chamber will dominate the new
parliament.

Palestinian lawmakers, in their final act before ceding to the new,
Hamas-led parliament, approved on Monday an amendment to an existing law,
which will give Abbas the authority to appoint a new, nine-judge
constitutional court without seeking legislative approval.

The court could also veto legislation deemed to violate the Basic Law, a
forerunner to the Palestinian constitution.

The court will serve as the ultimate arbiter in the event of disputes
between the Palestinian President and the government and parliament, and
also in petitions by civilians against the three branches of government.

The outcome of the vote could be significant because judges on the court
would have sweeping powers to decide whether laws approved by parliament are
constitutional.

Before the amendment was passed by a vote of 41 to 3 with one abstention,
the law required parliament to approve presidential appointments to the
judiciary.

Abbas had promised not to introduce any changes to the Basic Law before the
new parliament is sworn in, but the law passed Monday is not part of the
constitution.

Legal expert Issam Abdeen told AP that the new legislation would let Abbas
"cancel any law approved by the new parliament on the pretext it is
unconstitutional."

"The new amendment gives President Mahmoud Abbas power over the laws of the
new Palestinian legislature, since he is the one who appoints the judges of
the constitutional court," Abdeen said. "He can use (these powers) to
nullify laws that are unacceptable to him. If Hamas now approves Islamic
laws, he could say it is against the constitution."

The outgoing parliament, dominated by the outgoing ruling Fatah movement,
passed yet another resolution, which makes all members of the incoming
legislature into members of the National Council of the Palestine Liberation
Organization's (PLO) parliament in exile. This interesting feature of this
move is that the PLO charter recognizes the state of Israel, which Hamas
does not.

The PLC also on Monday made several other changes to its structure, altering
the parliament's regulations to appoint a new secretary general from Fatah
to oversee the administrative management of the new parliament.

Hamas Cries Foul

Hamas spokesmen have already announced that they intend to reverse the
appointment and appoint a Hamas official to the post.

Hamas termed the 11th-hour legislation "illegitimate" and vowed to overturn
it. One of its incoming legislators called the legislation "a bloodless
coup," according to AP.

Hamas would need a two-thirds majority, or 88 of 132 seats in parliament, to
change Monday's legislation and it was unclear whether the group would
muster such a majority.

Some of Hamas's newly elected parliamentarians shouted at Fatah lawmakers
after the vote, accusing them of overstepping their authority and trying to
undo the election.

"This law means giving full powers to President Abbas to dissolve parliament
any time he wishes," said Hamas's Abdel-Aziz Dweik, who was elected to
represent the West Bank city of Hebron.

Dweik said parliament had taken an "illegal" action, but acknowledged it
would be difficult for Hamas to reverse the decision since doing so would
require a two-thirds vote.

"This (old) parliament has no mandate and no authority to issue any new
legislation," protested another Hamas deputy, Said Siyam.

A third Hamas MP, Dr. Mahmoud Ramahi, described Monday parliamentary move as
"a white coup d'etat," and warned: "In Algeria they did a black coup d'etat
when they used the military to overturn the results of the elections. In
this law they gave Mahmoud Abbas the ability to dissolve the parliament
through the judges he appoints."

"This is immoral. The majority of the people who decided this today are
people who lost in the elections. On January 25 the people elected others to
replace them, so how can they on February 13 decide to make changes for the
people?" Ramahi added.

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat, who was elected to the new PLC,
countered that the changes "strengthen the separation of powers between the
judicial branch, the executive and the legislative branch."

"This is a legal session... We are not conspiring against anybody. We are
simply doing our jobs," Erakat said.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Text:Russian FM talks with UN Sec'y Gen. Annan,
US Sec'y of State Rice, etc. about invitation to Hamas

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
INFORMATION AND PRESS DEPARTMENT
_______________________________

32/34 Smolenskaya-Sennaya pl., 119200, Moscow G-200; tel.: (095) 244 4119,
fax: 244 4112
e-mail: dip@mid.ru, web-address: www.mid.ru
www.ln.mid.ru/Brp_4.nsf/arh/419DBA50051D4A7DC3257114002BDA9B?OpenDocument

Unofficial translation from Russian
PRESS RELEASE

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov Holds
Phone Conversations with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, US Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice and EU Council Secretary General/High Representative
for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana

174-11-02-2006

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov held on
February 10 and 11 telephone conversations with UN Secretary General Kofi
Annan, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and EU Council Secretary
General/High Representative for the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy
Javier Solana. The focus of attention was issues related to the situation in
the Middle East and in Palestinian-Israeli settlement.

Sergey Lavrov gave additional explanations on the essence of the Russian
initiative aimed at forging dialogue with the Hamas movement, which won the
recent Palestinian Legislative Council (parliament) elections. He reaffirmed
that our initiative rests on the platform of the Quartet of international
mediators, as agreed upon in London on January 30, and is directed to the
practical implementation of this platform.

It is the Russian side's conviction that in the interests of providing an
avenue for restoring the Palestine-Israel settlement process based on the
Roadmap it is necessary, without dragging it out, to begin to talk to Hamas
as an influential force of Palestinian society. The dialogue must aim,
already at the stage of formation of a new Palestinian government, for
continuity in the Palestinian National Authority's policy of putting an end
to violence and reaching a peaceful settlement with Israel. It was this line
being pursued by PNA Head Mahmoud Abbas, with the invariable backing of
Russia and other Quartet members, that received a convincing mandate from
the overwhelming majority of Palestinians in the presidential elections in
January 2005.

From this vantage point the efforts already undertaken by countries of the
region, Egypt primarily, which are now conducting contacts with Hamas
leaders, deserve high appraisal. In the course of these contacts some
encouraging remarks have been heard from the movement's representatives.
This needs to be taken into consideration. Sergey Lavrov underlined the
intention of the Russian cosponsor of the Middle East peace process to act
in coordination with its partners in the Quartet and in the region.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: MEMRI:Syrian Gov't Daily Suggests Israel Created, Spread Avian Flu

Special Dispatch - Syria
February 16, 2006
No. 1094

Syrian Gov't Daily Suggests Israel Created, Spread Avian Flu Virus

On January 31, 2006, the Syrian government daily Al-Thawra published an
article by columnist Abd Al-Rahman Ghunaym suggesting that Israel created
the avian flu virus in order to damage "genes carried only by Arabs." The
article further speculates that Israel may have planted the virus in East
Asia in order to mislead the world, and that this is why the disease first
appeared in that remote region. Another possibility given is that the virus
was created to attack "the yellow race - especially in China and Vietnam"
which are "rising powers" threatening "American hegemony over the world."

The following are excerpts from the article:

Avian Flu May Have Been Developed by Israel, to Damage Arabs' Genes

"On November 16, 1998, the British newspaper Sunday Times published details
about what was later dubbed 'the Israeli race bomb.' It reported that
Zionist experts were trying to identify genes unique to Arabs, in order to
create, through genetic engineering, dangerous viruses and bacteria that
would exclusively attack these genes. The paper stated that the race bomb
program was being carried out in the secret Nes Ziona Institute, near Tel
Aviv, which specializes in production of chemical and biological weapons. In
October 1999, the newspaper again emphasized that the Zionist entity was
increasing its scientific efforts [to develop] the race bomb.

"At the time, no explanation was given regarding the nature of this virus
that was being genetically engineered to realize the Zionist goal of harming
the Arabs. It was also not specified what agent would be used to transmit
the virus [to the Arab population]. The word 'bomb,' in this context, is
merely a label... since the [attack] might involve mice, rats, birds or any
other agent that can be used to spread the disease. The weapon, when ready,
would therefore be used without declaring war or moving troops. It would
look as though the [disease] broke out naturally, and not through [human
intervention] - as though it were being spread by natural elements and not
through a despicable and cunning plot."

Israel May Have Released the Disease in a Remote Region to Avoid Suspicion

"The question that arises today is whether the virus chosen by the Zionists
for their 'Israeli race bomb' is the avian flu virus. Some might hasten to
object by saying: 'But this virus first appeared, in 2003, only in east and
southeast Asia, and spread to Asia Minor [i.e., Turkey] only in 2006!' This
is a correct observation, but it does not rule out [the possibility that
Israel first spread the virus] in that remote region out of several
motivations, including [the following]:"

"The AIDS Virus was Developed to Serve as a 'Race Bomb' Against the Blacks"

"1. [Israel wished to] test the effects of the virus on the special genes of
the yellow Asian race, which is highly specialized. In addition, the yellow
race - especially in China and Vietnam - is a rising power [which threatens]
the exclusive American hegemony over the world. We cannot refrain from
mentioning that the AIDS virus was developed to serve as a 'race bomb'
against the blacks, though after its release, it also [infected] white
people, albeit in smaller numbers.

"2. Indonesian society constitutes a particularly suitable environment for
testing the [avian flu] virus on [various] races, including [people] of Arab
descent. This is because most Indonesians are of Arab or Yemenite descent,
or have mixed blood through intermarriage with Arabs.

"3. The virus may have been released in this remote part of Asia in order to
obscure the truth by shifting the world's attention to that distant
region... and in order to make its transmission through birds seem like a
natural phenomenon.

"But the [manner in which] the virus spread directly from east to west Asia
(i.e., to Asia Minor) raises many questions. Firstly, birds do not migrate
from east to west Asia, but from the northern [regions] of the world to the
southern [regions]. If we assume that the disease spread horizontally
because birds in each region came into contact with one another, we would
expect to see the disease appear in China, Tibet, Afghanistan, India,
Pakistan, Iran and the Caucasus before it appears in Turkey. These are wide
and extensive regions, so how could the disease skip [over them] like that?

"Therefore, we are led to the inescapable [conclusion] that there must have
been a northern point of origin from which the virus spread, or in which it
was planted, at a time which corresponded with the southbound migration of
the birds. This point of origin may have been on the northern [shore] of the
Black Sea or in east Turkey...

"The suspicion regarding a link between the avian flu and Israel's 'race
bomb' is compounded by a report from the Palestinian Authority, regarding
85,000 good chickens that were buried [by Israel] in fields in the West
Bank, and by the fact that the Palestinian Authority was not allowed to take
samples from these chickens for testing. [Another telling fact] is what
happened later - the case of a young Arab from one of the villages around
Jerusalem [who caught the disease]. This means that the disease appeared in
a new location, this time in the West Bank, simultaneously with the
discovery of a new case in northern Iraq."

Arafat, Too, was Assassinated by Israel With a Biological Weapon

"The American newspaper Herald Tribune published a report which truly
reveals the terrifying [nature] of 'Israel's race bomb'... The newspaper
reported that after years of serious and intensive research, experts from
universities have attained the capability of manufacturing the flu virus.

"The newspaper accused the [U.S.] Department of Health and Human Services of
'committing a very stupid and foolish act' when it published details on the
Internet regarding the method of manufacturing this virus, which is more
dangerous than an atomic bomb. The newspaper expressed concern that the
information might fall into the hands of some 'terrorists' - as though an
unskilled terrorist, with no laboratory, can make any use of this
information, which is now in the hands of the Nes Ziona Institute, and as
though the Institute was not [in fact] the one who attained the capability
of making the virus, and who [persuaded] the American [Health] Department
to... publish the accurate details. [Israel's intention was] to place the
blame for planting this epidemic on the terrorists rather than on the
Zionist terrorists...

"[Even] if this virus is meant to affect specific genes [carried only] by
Arabs, the damage it causes will not be restricted to the Arab regions. It
will also reach countries that we think of as 'remote,' and they will find
themselves in the midst of the disaster when the disease [is no longer
limited to] small, isolated danger spots, but becomes a raging epidemic.

"Tampering with Arab genes [without affecting] the white race is very
difficult. But the Zionists are capable of attempting this [risky] adventure
if [they have] a preventive treatment or a [cure for the disease]. Recall
that the assassination of Yasser Arafat was carried out by means of
biological weapons. The attempt on the life of the fighter [Hamas leader]
Khaled Mash'al [likewise] involved a biological [agent] which [is countered
by] a secret antidote that only the Zionists possess."

*********************
The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) is an independent,
non-profit organization that translates and analyzes the media of the Middle
East. Copies of articles and documents cited, as well as background
information, are available on request.

MEMRI holds copyrights on all translations. Materials may only be used with
proper attribution.

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI)
P.O. Box 27837, Washington, DC 20038-7837
Phone: (202) 955-9070
Fax: (202) 955-9077
E-Mail: memri@memri.org
Search previous MEMRI publications at www.memri.org

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Text: Egyptian Presidenti Mubarak interviewed on Israel Television

Text: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak interviewed on Israel Television

15 February 2006

The following is IMRA's English translation of the Hebrew subtitle
translation of Israel Television Channel One correspondent Oded Granot's 14
February Arabic interview of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak broadcast on
Mabat the same day.

The interview was seen by many in Israel as part of a broad international
effort to insure the Kadima Party's victory at the coming elections. In the
course of the interview Mubarak essential endorses Kadima leader Ehud Olmert
as his choice for prime minister.

Introduction:

Anchor Yaacov Ahimeir: The interview shows that there is a difference of
opinion between Israel and Egypt regarding Hamas.

Oded Granot: I don't think that there is a difference of opinion Yaacov, I
think that publicly Mubarak says what he has to say.: first of all let the
dust settle, don't rush to make decisions or take actions. I think that
beneath the surface Mubarak is no less concerned than Israel about the rise
of Hamas and I think that a door has opened, Yaacov, the fact that both the
foreign minister and defense minister meet face to face [with him] to
discuss what to do on this new matter reflects the concern of the two
nations. In my opinion a pipeline of cooperation has been created. When
Mubarak says "let's wait and see and then we will make decisions" Mubarak
also understands the decision will have to be made if there is a Hams
government that stands by its position of not recognizing Israel.

Interview:

Q: How are you mister president?

A: Fine.

Q: Congratulations to Egypt on winning the African National Cup. It was a
successful competition.

A: Thanks. The competition was tough. Did you see how many people filled
the stadium? Over 80 thousand. Even the stairs had people.

Q: Sir, you enjoyed it of course?

A: Of course. Naturally. I would be lying if I told you that I did not
enjoy it.

Q: We followed the games with great interest. It was a successful
competitions. And the victory completed a successful competition.
A: Yes the competition was successful. The games in their entirety were
very good. We won all the games except for one game that ended in a tie. But
we one also all the games.

Q: Mr. president we will move from the area of sports to the diplomatic
front. The victory of Hamas in the parliamentary elections takes us 40 years
backwards. The Khartoum Summit and the three no's: no recognition of Israel,
no peace and no negotiations.

A: You [AL: all "you" in this interview are in plural form] are always
pessimistic.

Q: It raises pessimism

A: Hamas won. It is not logical for them not to change. Every movement in
the world changes. You heard now the chairman of the Central Committee,
Mashaal, who said: we will act in accordance with Oslo but with care. In
contrast Haniya said: No. We will not work with anyone. There is a still a
certain lack of clarity between the two sides. But you have to give them
hope. I am not saying on every matter. But there is a lack of clarity. That
does not mean that one should be pessimistic.

They say that they will destroy Israel. These are all things that one
should not get caught up on too much, or assign too much importance to them.

The two sides have to work for the peace. Israel and the Palestinian
Authority as one.

Q: Mr. President. This morning Mahmoud Zahar, one of the heads of Hamas,
said: "we will not recognize Israel, we are not obligated to the agreements
between the Palestinians Authority and Israel, and we will not take money
from the Satan." That is to say "we don't need financial aid."

A: I will tell you something. Let's be realistic: Many years ago, in the
years 1950-1951, after the revolution, didn't we say to throw Israel into
the sea?

You forgot. But Egypt wanted to throw Israel into the sea.

Did Israel end up in the sea?

There were wars but today the relations between Israel and Egypt are good.

We all want stability in the region.

Hamas has to be given a chance.

And you also have to give them an opportunity.

Q: Mr. president. In your talks here in Cairo with Hamas did you succeed in
convincing Hamas to change, for example, their charter that calls for the
destruction of Israel?

A: We aren't telling them to change one thing or another. We have to cause
them to show flexibility and understand the situation. But we don't have to
tell them: "say you recognize Israel. Do such and such." They would say to
you "no".

This takes time. It takes an effort on their part and on your part at the
same time.

Q: But Mr. president, are you in Egypt insisting, for example, that Hamas
recognize Israel as a condition for their leading the Palestinian People?

A: If they say "we recognize Israel" that doesn't mean that they recognize
Israel.

The Oslo Agreement, for example. Mashaal said: "we will act according to
Oslo but with care/"

Q: What does it mean "with care"?

A. That's how he said it. I do not know why he chose that wording. He said"
we will act according to it with care". Or "great care" or "limitations".

If you think that he will suddenly say "sure, we will cooperate with Israel"
you are mistaken. It would not be logical.

There is hope. And there is no reason to be pessimistic.

It is necessary to always be optimistic despite the declarations that are
heard.

Mashaal says one thing and Haniya says something else. Maybe there is a
difference of opinion between the two sides.

Q: Several voices are heard.

A: But they met here by us in Egypt. And they met 3-4 days ago. There is a
kind of understanding regarding the nature of situation. I cannot give
details on the matter on television but I reiterate that I am convinced that
there is a joint understanding relating to the peace process.

Q: Mr. president, can you understand the position of Israel that refuses,
for example, to transfer aid to a Palestinian Authority headed by Hamas?

A: Hamas still hasn't taken the authority. If you don't give the money now
to the Palestinian Authority - after all, the money is for the citizens.
For the Palestinian People, it is as if you are saying to them: remain
extremists.

Let us say you are moderate and you are not given money in order to live, or
your rights, you become radical. It causes terrible radicalism. We have to
think logically. If they are given their rights they will become moderate.
They want o live.

The European understood this and they are giving them, and we are also
talking with the Americans.

In the end Hamas' positions will become clear. We should not accelerate
processes or be pessimistic. When Hamas forms its government we will see
what their positions are. And in accordance with these positions we will
see what we are to do.

Q: Is there a constitutional or legal way to bring down a Hamas government
that does not recognize Israel and the new elections?

A If the Hamas government can reach a solution with you why bring it down?

The people elected it.

It would be a mistake on our part to think how to bring it down. Hamas may
yet help the peace process.

Q: Before we finish the matter of Hamas I would like to ask you if the USA
has a role in the appearance of the radical Islamic movements in the region.

A: There is no need to mix the US in this matter. The US understands the
situation well. It knows .

Q: They encouraged the participation of Hamas in the elections.

A. I do not think that they encouraged it. Bu they wanted free and
democratic elections and Hamas emerged. Hamas was elected in free and open
democratic elections.

You cannot say :no" when the people elected them.

Q: But the day after they are regretful.

A: I don't know. You know better than I do.

Q: Mr. president. The prime mister of Israel is very sick and will not
return to the national scene.

A: You can never know, my friend. Everything is in the hands of God.

Q: I rely on the opinions of doctors, who certainly know better than I do.

You personally know Sharon. More than once you said that he is the only man
that can make peace. What do you think of the situation now?

A: First of all, Sharon is a man who went to war with us in '73. Yes. And
those who go into war have the will to make hard decisions, as did Sharon.

Despite the killings, the attacks and everything that took place. I saw his
decisions regarding Gaza. He was very determined to carry out this
decision. I would be very optimistic if Sharon were to continue. We could
have reached a solution of the Palestinian matter. .

Q: And the Israeli scene without Sharon?

A: I hope that Olmert - I worked with acting PM Olmert and I think he is a
very good man who understands the situation well and I maintain that during
his reign the peace process could advance.

Q: Will you encourage Israeli Government in the future to carry out
unilateral withdrawals as the withdrawal from Gaza for example?

A: Like what?

Q: Like the withdrawal from Gaza.

A: Look, it will prevent negotiations between the two sides. Of course the
Palestinians want their land., etc. but the borders have to be set in
negotiations between the sides. I can't advance what it is already late and
tell you to completely withdrawal from the area or to withdraw from one area
and not withdraw from another area. That's a matter for negotiations between
the two sides. And we will respect any decision of the two sides.

Q: Is it possible that a conflict will break out between Fatah and Hamas?

A: Between whom?

Q: Between Fatah and Hamas for the government.

A: I don't think so but if you heat things up..

Q: Is it possible that Abu Mazen as president will encounter harsh disputes
in the government.

A: The Government of Israel must help Abu Mazen. You did not help him in the
past and thus you weakened him.

He must feel strong. And you must help him, and meet his requests to you ,
and meet some of his requests so that he may deal with the situation.

Q: He can live next to Hamas?

A: Certainly. This is Palestinian and that is Palestinian. What is the
problem?

Q: But he calls for peace and Hamas call for resistance.

A: No. No. they all want peace.

Hamas wants peace because the Palestinian People want to live in peace.
Each according to his conditions. But there can be compromise between the
two sides.

Q: The question that troubles me is if an Islamic movement, such as Hamas,
can forego the principle according to which all Palestinian land [AL
including Israel] is Waqf land [AL: holy Moslem land that cannot be held by
nonbelievers] . Can an Islamic movement give up on a principle that is so
basic to their beliefs?

A: I do not know what will be in the future, but I say now that the borders
of the Palestinians would be set in negotiations with the Israelis.

What the two sides agree on the matter of the borders - if you give them
all of their lands and they agree - no problem.

If they agree to receiving part of it and forego another part of it that is
up to the Palestinians.

I can't go backwards and say if they will get all their land or give up on
part of it.

You have your conditions and I think that the negotiations are the best way
to solve this problem.

Q: Mr. president, are you satisfied with the level of relations between
Egypt and Israel in the security area and other areas?

A: I think that the relations between us and Israel are good. We cooperate
in many areas. In the area of security, in Palestinian matters.

It is most important to cooperate for stability in the region.

If you can reach a solution with the Palestinians there will be stability
with the Palestinians, stability in Israel and the bloodshed between the two
sides will be prevented.

Q: But, for example, after the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza we thought that
the rocket fire from Gaza would end but it continues. And Israel is forced
to respond

A: No. The Palestinians come and say to you: Israel withdrew from Gaza but
continues its activities. They are shooting and they are reacting.

Q: How is it possible to stop it?

A: What?

Q: How is it possible to stop the rocket fire?

Islamic Jihad, for example, doesn't agree to any ceasefire.

A: I don't want to talk about Islamic Jihad or the Moslem Brotherhood. I am
talking about the Palestinian People with the Israeli People.

The two sides can stop the rocket fire and the response to it only via
negotiations. Sitting at the negotiation table.

That is the only way to prevent killing on both sides.

[The rest of the interview deal with the north. With Mubarak explaining that
the armed militias continue there because of the dispute over Shaba Farms.]

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From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Likud website launched with strong videos www.likud.org.il

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End of [imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1331 (10 messages)
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