[imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1336 (12 messages)

imra Thu Feb 23 00:22:10 2006 Volume 2 : Issue 1336

In this issue of the imra daily Digest:

Text: Pres. Bush - elections show Palestinians
spoke for the destruction of Israel?
Olmert: Hamas is not a threat
[Say it ain't so #2] Peres: Stop the Hamas fear campaign
[Fatah] Gunmen Storm the Rafah Governorate
and the Khan Yunis Municipality
Contacts Resume to buy Gaza gas from British Gas;
Decision Expected Within Approximately One Month
Egyptian President Calls to Continue US Support of PNA
Poll: Kadima 38-39 Labor 18-19
Likud 14-17 NRP/Nat'l Union 10-11
Hamas Government in the Making, Haniyeh Designated PM
[Attacks on Israel not "terror"?]Jordanian-Moroccan
Parliamentary talks: differentiate between terror and the
right of nations to restore the usurped
Israeli FM regrets statements by Naveh,
Defense Ministry & Army CoS order immediate investigation
MEMRITV: Al-Quds Al-Arabi Editor:
Arafat Told Me Oslo Would be Israel's Curse
Excerpts: Jordan's long-term stability 22 February 2006

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Text: Pres. Bush - elections show Palestinians
spoke for the destruction of Israel?

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 21, 2006
Roundtable Interview of the President by the Press Pool
Aboard Air Force One
En route Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland
2:42 P.M. EST
www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060221-1.html

...
Q Mr. President, Israel is halting payments to the Palestinians -- the tax
monies. What do you think about that, and what is the next step?

THE PRESIDENT: I'll just give you our government's position, and that is, we
have said that -- well, first of all, the U.S. government doesn't give
direct grants to Palestine, we go through the Palestinian Authority, we go
through -- we give grants through NGOs from our USAID, to help people. But
my statement still stands, that so long as Hamas does not recognize Israel's
right to exist, my view is we don't have a partner in peace, and therefore
shouldn't fund a government that is not a partner in peace. I thought the
elections were important. I was one voice that said the elections should go
forward on time.

But I recognized that, one, elections are the first step in many cases in
evolution of a true democracy; and secondly, that elections show -- give
everybody a true look at how -- what people are thinking on the street; and
thirdly, though, that because the Palestinians spoke, doesn't necessarily
mean we have to agree with the nature of -- the party elected. And the party
elected has said, we're for the destruction of Israel. And our policy is,
two states living side by side in peace. And therefore, it's hard to have a
state living side by side in peace when your stated objective is the
destruction of one of the states. So my policy still stands, what I said day
one after the Hamas elections.

...

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Olmert: Hamas is not a threat

Olmert: Hamas is not a threat
02/22/2006 12:57 Ilan Marciano YNET
www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/CdaNewsFlash/0,2297,L-3219710_3089,00.html

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the Foreign Affairs and Defense
Committee that the Hamas is not a strategic threat on the State of Israel.
Two days ago, Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin said Hamas did indeed form a
strategic threat.

When asked about the differences if opinion, Olmert said: "I highly value
the Shin Bet head but I do not agree with his view."

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: [Say it ain't so #2] Peres: Stop the Hamas fear campaign

Peres: Stop the Hamas fear campaign
Roee Nahmias YNET 02/22/2006 12:27
www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/CdaNewsFlash/0,2297,L-3219696_3089,00.html

The campaign of scaring ourselves from Hamas must stop," said former prime
minister Shimon Peres, as he addressed high school pupils in Raanana.
"We've won five wars and we'll do it again if we have to," he said, adding
that the Palestinians have an elected president, Mahmoud Abbas, who won with
a larger majority than Hamas, and who wants to reach peace with Israel.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: [Fatah] Gunmen Storm the Rafah Governorate
and the Khan Yunis Municipality

PCHR
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms
Attacks on public institutions and officials

Field Update
22 February 2006

Gunmen Storm the Rafah Governorate and the Khan Yunis Municipality

At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 22 February 2006, a group of 20 gunmen
from the "Al-Yasir Brigades", affiliated with Fatah, stormed the Rafah
Governorate building in protest to the appointment of Zuhdi El-Qedra as the
new governor of Rafah. Mr. El-Qedra, who is from Khan Yunis, was appointed
to succeed Mr. Majied El-Agha, who was elected as a member of the
Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) for the Khan Yunis district and
represents Fatah. The gunmen requested the President of the Palestinian
National Authority (PNA) to reconsider the appointment. They demanded that
the new governor should be from Rafah. They left the building after one
hour.

On Tuesday, another armed group affiliated with Fatah stormed the Khan Yunis
municipality building and a garage run by the municipality. PCHR's initial
investigation indicates that at approximately 10:30 on Tuesday, 21 February
2006, an armed group from the "Amr Abu Sitta Battalions" stormed the western
municipality garage, located behind the civil defense headquarters in Khan
Yunis refugee camp. They took all the keys for the vehicles in the
facility, which included sewage trucks, drinking water trucks, hearses and
others. The incident took place after the municipality had refused to
provide the group with a bulldozer to level an area of land near the old
Khan Yunis municipality butcher house, which the group intends to take over
and turn into an outpost.

And at approximately 14:30, a group of 10 gunmen from the same group stormed
the Khan Yunis municipality building, located near the security forces
complex in the city. They ransacked the office of the Mayor and threatened
him and other staff members. The gunmen cut off telephone lines, turned
over furniture and hurled a computer to the floor. The gunmen demanded that
the municipality comply with their demand to provide a bulldozer and
threatened to burn the western municipality garage, if their demand is not
met by Saturday. It is noted that the garage holds 120 vehicles. In
addition, it is noted that the old butcher house in Khan Yunis was emptied
after coming under Israeli bombardment several times during the Al-Aqsa
Intifada.

PCHR condemns these attacks against public institutions and the threats
against the lives of staff members in these institutions. The Centre calls
upon the PNA to open a serious investigation into these attacks and bring
the perpetrators to justice.

"End"

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
-----------------------------------
If you got this forwarded and you want to subscribe, send mail to
request@pchrgaza.org
and write "subscribe" in the subject line.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Contacts Resume to buy Gaza gas from British Gas;
Decision Expected Within Approximately One Month

Contacts Resume With British Gas; Decision Expected Within Approximately One
Month
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

At a meeting held today (Wednesday), 22.2.06, at the Prime Minister's Office
(PMO), it was agreed that Government representatives, along with
representatives of the companies due to purchase natural gas, will begin
intensive contacts with British Gas representatives in order to facilitate
the company's entry into the Israeli market as a gas supplier. The contacts
are due to last approximately one month.

A senior British Gas delegation was invited by PMO Director-General Ilan
Cohen to the meeting, which was designed to promote British Gas's
integration as a third supplier in the Israeli gas market. National
Infrastructures Ministry Director-General Eli Ronen, Finance Ministry Budget
Director Kobi Haber and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

PMO Dir.-Gen. Cohen said that Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had
instructed him and Finance Ministry Budget Director Haber to make every
effort in order to facilitate British Gas's entry into Israel, which would
encourage competition in the energy market.

The British Gas representatives said that they believe that a market for
future growth in the natural gas field is developing in Israel and added
they are in direct contact with Israeli companies that are converting their
energy consumption to natural gas.

The British Gas representatives also said that they are considering the
possibility of exporting gas from Gaza via pipeline to Egypt, where it will
be shipped to the US. They added that as a business concern, they are
considering the most economically worthwhile alternative and are thus
comparing the alternatives of supplying gas either to the Israeli market or
to the American market as mentioned above.

The British Gas representatives said that should the sides reach an
understanding, their company could begin to supply gas to Israeli consumers
in 2009. They noted that their company's entry into the Israeli market
depends on the appropriate economic conditions regarding the quantities of
gas to be supplied and their price.

It was decided that the representatives of the larger companies that wish to
purchase gas will hold commercial contacts with British Gas, with National
Infrastructures Ministry Director-General Ronen serving as the Government's
contact on the issue.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Egyptian President Calls to Continue US Support of PNA

Egyptian President Calls to Continue US Support of PNA
www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_new/english/details.asp?name=13893

GAZA, Palestine, February 22, 2006 (IPC + Agencies) -[Official PA website] -
The Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak asserted after meeting the US Secretary
of State that the American administration should continue its support of the
Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and its President Mahmoud Abbas, and
give enough time for Hamas movement to form a new government.

The spokesman for the Egyptian presidency, Suleiman Awwad, stated that
President Mubarak has pointed out that it is important to give time to Hamas
to change the current status and determine its stance towards the demands
set out by President Abbas in his speech at the Palestinian Legislative
Council (PLC), and in his letter of appointment to the Prime
Minister-designate Ismail Haniyya.

Awwad further explained that the talks between the Egyptian President and
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have tackled the recent regional issues
and the results of the Palestinian legislative elections, as well as the
future results of the Israeli elections next March.

The presidency spokesman asserted that Egypt, among a small group of
neighboring countries and international powers, owns the main keys to deal
with both the Israeli and Palestinian sides.

He noted that it is important not to foresee Hamas' moves or confiscate its
right to show its stance towards President Abbas' demands, saying that this
issue was also raised during the discussions of President Mubarak and
Secretary Rice, as well as between Secretary Rice and the leader of the
Israeli Labor Party, Amir Peretz.

Awwad also announced that Rice has clearly stated that Washington will
monitor Hamas' stances, and that humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people
will continue in any condition.

"President Mubarak has asserted in his meeting with Rich that it is
necessary to avoid anything that could be interpreted as collective
punishment of the Palestinian people, whether by cutting off financial aid,
or with regards to freezing the transfer of Palestinian tax and customs
revenues."

As for Egypt's security role in Gaza Strip, Awwad made clear that the
Egyptian President addressed this matter during his talks with the leader of
the Israeli Labor party, as he assured Egypt's keenness on fulfilling its
commitments, according to the understandings and arrangements over the Rafah
border crossing.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Poll: Kadima 38-39 Labor 18-19
Likud 14-17 NRP/Nat'l Union 10-11

Poll: Kadima 38-39 Labor 18-19 Likud 14-17 NRP/Nat'l Union 10-11
Aaron Lerner Date: 22 February 2006

#1 Telephone poll of a representative sample of 509 adult Israelis
(including Arab Israelis) carried out by Maagar Mohot ("Brain Trust") for
Israel Television's "Mishal Cham" on 20 February 2006

#2 Telephone poll of a representative sample of adult Israelis
(including Arab Israelis) carried out by Dialogue for Haaretz and Channel 10
week 20 February 2006
http://news.walla.co.il/?w=//863889
[Among the 120 are 18 "floating" votes, belonging to respondents who are
still undecided on which way to vote, and distributed among the different
parties.]

Knesset election vote expressed in mandates[current in brackets]
#1 #2
38 39 [00] Kadima
17 14 [40] Likud
18 19 [22] Labor
00 00 [15] Shinui (both the party and the break-away "Secular Zionist
Party")
09 09 [11] Shas
09 09 [08] Arab parties
05 05 [06] Yachad [Meretz]
10 11 [07* & 6] National Union & NRP
07 07 [07*] Yisrael Beiteinu [Lieberman]
06 07 [05] Yahadut Hatorah
01 00 [00] Green Leaf (legalize hashish) - does not pass minimum
* National Union & Yisrael Beiteinu together have 7 seats

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Hamas Government in the Making, Haniyeh Designated PM

Hamas Government in the Making, Haniyeh Designated PM
Coalition Talks Continue, But Not Every Faction Wants to Join
22/02/2006

Palestine Media Center - PMC [Official arm of the PA]
www.palestine-pmc.com/details.asp?cat=1&id=1100

President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday formally asked Hamas-nominated Ismail
Haniyeh to form a new Palestinian government within five weeks and handed
him an official nomination letter during a two-hour meeting at the
presidential headquarters in Gaza City, their second such encounter in two
days. The letter was a one-page summary of Abbas' political positions,
according to Abbas aides who spoke on condition of anonymity to the AP.

The Palestinian official news agency WAFA released a photo of Abbas handing
Haniyeh an official letter of appointment.

Following the meeting, Haniyeh was noncommittal. "We (Hamas) will study it
(the letter), and God willing, we will answer soon to Abu Mazen (Abbas), God
willing," he told reporters.

"I received the nomination letter from President Abu Mazen (Abbas). The
Hamas leadership will examine the contents of this letter before soon giving
a definitive response to the president," Haniyeh elaborated.

"I pray to god to help me bear the responsibility and serve the Palestinian
cause until the Palestinian people are given back their rights," he added.

Referring to the contradictory political agendas between Hamas and the
former ruling Fatah movement, Haniyeh pledged to "avoid a confrontation
(with Fatah) especially as the (Israeli) occupation refuses to acknowledge
the Palestinians' rights and refuses to acknowledge the agreements it signed
with the Palestinian Authority."

Haniyeh will have up to five weeks to form his goverment. Mahmoud Al-Zahar,
Hamas' leader in the Gaza Strip, has said the line-up of a new governing
coalition would be finalized within three weeks.

Coalition Talks

Hamas began holding talks with several Palestinian anti-Israeli occupation
factions to form a coalition government.

Extending a hand to Fatah, Haniyeh said he thinks "the room for agreement
with Fatah is large," adding, "and we hope to reach a formula through which
we can form a national unity government."

Since its landslide electoral victory on January 25, Hamas has been
insisting on "national partnership" as the basis for a national unity
government.

But Fatah has not been forthcoming.

Outgoing Palestinian deputy prime minister and the newly-elected MP Nabil
Shaath told WAFA on Tuesday that Fatah is waiting to see Hamas' political
platform to decide whether or not to join the Islamic Resistance Movement in
a coalition government.

Shaath confirmed that Fatah is committed to President Abbas' speech to the
new Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) after the PLC was sworn in on
Saturday, in which Abbas reiterated his commitment to Oslo accords and
negotiations with Israel.

"Indeed, from the hour the (Oslo) accords were endorsed, they became a part
of reality to which we remain committed," Abbas told lawmakers, adding: "The
presidency and the government will continue to respect our commitment to the
negotiations as a strategic, pragmatic political choice."

Haniyeh did not agree. Abbas "was elected according to his program, and we
were elected according to a different program," he said, adding however
that: "We will deal with this difference in the political position ...
through dialogue and understanding."

Hamas spokesman and lawmaker Sami Abu Zuhri said talks were due to take
place on Tuesday with the head of Fatah's bloc in the PLC, Azzam Al-Ahmad,
but had been shelved because Al-Ahmad was unable to travel to Gaza, barred
by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).

However, a top Fatah official from Jerusalem, Hatem Abdel Kader, said
Tuesday that Fatah is prepared to join a Hamas-led coalition, even if the
Islamic movement does not recognize Israel's right to exist.

"Fatah is not asking Hamas to recognize Israel," Abdel Kader explained.
"This is Hamas's own business and it should not be part of an agreement on
forming a national unity cabinet."

Abdel Kader is the first Fatah official to publicly voice support for
joining a Hamas cabinet.

Abbas on Monday said he did not rule out the possibility that Fatah would
eventually join the new Hamas cabinet. However, he said that no final
decision has been taken in this regard.

With an Israeli military helicopter circling overhead, Hamas opened talks
Monday with other factions on forming the new Palestinian government.
Al-Zahar, the leader of the Hamas faction in parliament, played host to the
talks at his Gaza City home.

Hamas has a 74-majority in the 132-member PLC and could form a government on
its own, but says it wants to include as many factions as possible.

"We are prepared to work with all the factions; there is a place for
everyone," said Abu Zuhri.

But not everyone wants to join.

The Islamic Jihad reiterated in Gaza on Monday its rejection to join a
Hamas-led government, senior leader of the group Nafez Azzam told reporters
after he met with al-Zahar.

Earlier Monday, Hamas leaders met with representatives of the Popular Front
for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which indicated willingness to join
a national unity government led by Hamas, and the Democratic Front for the
Liberation of Palestine (DFLP).

PFLP politburo member Rabah Muhanna said the faction had agreed "in
principle" to join the incoming administration.

Haniyeh . Survived Israeli Assassination

With Haniyeh's appointment, the PNA cabinet's activities are expected to
move from Ramallah to the Gaza Strip, while the PLC will operate primarily
from Ramallah under the leadership of Hamas' Speaker Abdel-Aziz Dweik.

Haniyeh, 43, headed Hamas's national list of "Change and Reform" in the
January 25 parliamentary election.

Haniyeh lives in the Beach Refugee Camp in Gaza Strip and like all Hamas
lawmakers, is banned by Israel from traveling to the West Bank. He has 13
children.

He survived an Israeli air strike in 2003 targeting Hamas's leadership at
the height of the Palestinian uprising (Intifadah) against the 39-year old
Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. He was detained by
Israel four times. The longest spell was for three years from 1989.

Haniya was assistant to the founder and spiritual leader of Hamas, Sheikh
Ahmad Yassin, from his release from prison in 1997 to his death.

He graduated from the Islamic University of Gaza after studies in Arabic
literature. Together with more than 400 Hamas anti-occupation activists he
was deported to Lebanon and returned to Gaza in 1993 to become the dean of
the Islamic University.

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: [Attacks on Israel not "terror"?]Jordanian-Moroccan
Parliamentary talks: differentiate between terror and the
right of nations to restore the usurped

Jordanian-Moroccan Parliamentary talks
www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Feb/22/30935600.htm

Amman, Feb.22 (Petra)-- Jordanian and Moroccan members of Parliament opened
talks on Wednesday focusing on ways to strengthen ties of cooperation and
the current situation in the region. The talks co-chaired by Speaker of the
House of Deputies Abdel Hadi al-Majali and his Moroccan counterpart Abdel
Wahed al-Radi, called for speeding up measures to implement agreements and
minutes of understanding reached by the Joint Jordanian-Moroccan Higher
Committee in Rabat last May and by the joint committee on industry, energy,
specifications and standardization.

The two sides stressed the necessity for Israel's withdrawal from all
occupied Arab territories and implementing international resolutions to
enable the Palestinian people establish their independent state on their
national soil. The parliamentarians also called for establishing a Middle
East region free of weapons of mass destruction.

The emphasized the vital role of both Jordan and Morocco in defending Islam
and Muslim in the face of the anti-Islamic campaign aimed to distort the
true image of Islam.

While renouncing all forms of violence and terrorism , the MPs underlined
the need to differentiate between terror and the right of nations to restore
the usurped. In this regard, the two sides condemned attack on the holy
shrines in Iraq. The described the attack a criminal act plotted to stir
sectarian sedition inside Iraq.

Petra/ Injadat 222326 Local FEB 2006

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Israeli FM regrets statements by Naveh,
Defense Ministry & Army CoS order immediate investigation

Israeli Foreign Minister regrets statements by Naveh, Defense Ministry &
Army Chief of Staff order immediate investigation
www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Feb/22/30933700.htm

Feb.22(Petra-Jordan News Agency)-- Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Khatib on
Wednesday received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart Tzipi Livni
expressing her regret over the statements made by Israeli Commander Gen.
Yair Nave. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and the army
Chief of Staff have ordered immediate investigation on the issue. " Israel
views Jordan as a strong and stable country, with a glorious heritage and
tradition and a promising future," said a statement issued by the Minister
of Defense and the Army Chief. The statements by Nave don't represent in any
way the Israeli formal policy, Livni said, expressing her apology for such
statements.

Earlier in the day, Jordan Charge d' Affaires in Tel Aviv Omar Jamil
al-Nadif lashed at Naveh's remarks describing them as "irresponsible". "The
Israeli government should take the appropriate measure against this army
officer for his words which show lack of discipline and understanding,"
Nadif said in a statement to Petra. " If something is not taken to correct
these negative remarks ....it would have an adverse impact on Jordanian
Israeli relations," Nadif added.

"The remarks attributed to the Commanding Officer of the Central Command MG
Yair Nave do not reflect in any way whatsoever the official policy of the
State of Israel," said the Defense Ministry statement. "Israel wishes to
express its deep gratitude and appreciation to the vital contribution of the
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to regional peace and stability," the statement
said. It added "the Minister of Defense and the Army Chief of Staff
instructed an immediate enquiry of the issue."

In his remarks the Israeli general warned about and "Islamic axis" extending
from Tehran to Gaza and could cross to Jordan to affect the regime there.
Petra/ Injadat
222251 Local FEB 2006

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: MEMRITV: Al-Quds Al-Arabi Editor:
Arafat Told Me Oslo Would be Israel's Curse

The following are excerpts from an interview by Al-Quds Al-Arabi
Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Bari Atwan, aired on ANB TV on February 16, 2006.

*Clip # 1046 - Al-Quds Al-Arabi Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Bari Atwan: Arafat
Told Me He Would Turn the Oslo Accords into a Curse for Israel

Abd Al-Bari Atwan: When the Oslo Accords were signed, I went to visit
[Arafat] in Tunis. It was around July, before he went to Gaza. I said to
him: We disagree. I do not support this agreement. It will harm us, the
Palestinians, distort our image, and uproot us from our Arab origins. This
agreement will not get us what we want, because these Israelis are
deceitful.

He took me outside and told me: By Allah, I will drive them crazy. By Allah,
I will turn this agreement into a curse for them. By Allah, perhaps not in
my lifetime, but you will live to see the Israelis flee from Palestine. Have
a little patience. I entrust this with you. Don't mention this to anyone.
Always remember this. Sometimes, when I would criticize him strongly, he
would say to me: Do you remember the promise I made, Abd Al-Bari?

TO VIEW THIS CLIP: http://www.memritv.org/search.asp?ACT=S9&P1=1046

*********************
For assistance, please contact MEMRI TV Project at memritv@memri.org

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.

MEMRI TV Project
P.O. Box 27837, Washington, DC 20038-7837
Phone: (202) 955-9070
Fax: (202) 955-9077
www.memritv.org

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

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Excerpts: Jordan's long-term stability 22 February 2006

Excerpts: Jordan's long-term stability 22 February 2006

+++IMRA: In view of the stories in The Jerusalem Post and Haaretz, the
following item is re-run.

BITTERLEMONS-INTERNATIONAL: 9 Feb.'06: "Pragmatic but unconfortable"by Omar
Karmi, Jordan Times Jerusalem correspondent, [IMRA:Significantly, nothing
along these lines appeared in The Jordan Times by Karmi, or anyone else.]

QUOTES FROM TEXT:
"Hashemites, unique among ruling regimes in the region, maintained close
relationships
with Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood. The political arm of the Brotherhood,
the Islamic
Action Front, has been allowed to maintain its dominance of the
country's professional
associations"

"Muslim Brotherhood remained, and continues to remain, implacably opposed
to the
1994 peace treaty" [IMRA: They also always vehemently supported Saddam
Hussein.]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXCERPTS:
...when events west of the Jordan River take a dramatic turn, Jordan is the
country in the region that will feel the most immediate and potentially
far-reaching consequences.
. . .
There are good reasons for Jordan to take careful stock of the situation.
Hamas, while originally founded in the Gaza Strip as an outgrowth of the
Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, has maintained very close ties to Jordan's
Islamists, and for a long time Hamas' leadership in exile was based in
Amman. In addition, the general geo-political and demographic realities of
Jordanian-Palestinian relations make close ties between Palestinians of all
political stripes in both Jordan and Palestine inevitable and necessitate
good relations between Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, whoever may be
at the helm.

But Jordan's relationship with its own Islamists has been uneasy in recent
years. Traditionally, the Hashemites, unique among ruling regimes in the
region, maintained close relations with Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood. The
political arm of the Brotherhood, the Islamic Action Front, has been allowed
to maintain its dominance of the country's professional associations
[IMRA: The professional associations cover almost all employment
opportunities and prohibit "normalization" with Israel under threat of
expulsion from the 'culprit's' professional organization resulting in loss
of employment.]
and has had a fair shot at parliament, where the IAF currently makes up the
single largest opposition bloc with 17 out of 110 seats. Jordanian
governments also usually include one or two portfolios set aside for
independents close to the IAF.

The late King Hussein was not about to let his good relations with the
Brotherhood get in the way of what he saw as the overriding importance of
the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty, and greater democratic openness enacted
in 1988 was abrogated to ensure no parliamentary opposition to the treaty in
the new parliament in 1993. Nevertheless, he clearly valued the relations,
even though the Muslim Brotherhood remained, and continue to remain,
implacably opposed to the 1994 peace treaty.

Israel's attempted assassination of current Hamas leader Khaled Mishaal in
1996 was therefore taken as a personal affront to the king and interpreted
as an attempt by Israel to jeopardize Hashemite relations with both Hamas
and Jordan's Islamists. King Hussein wasted no time in exacting the maximum
political price he could from Israel in return, including the release from
prison of Hamas' spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.

..., King Abdullah, however, has taken a more confrontational approach with
Hamas and Jordan's Islamists. In 1999, only six months into his reign,
commercial offices in Amman registered under the names of Hamas leaders were
shut down, Hamas activists were detained, and arrest warrants were issued
against five Hamas leaders: Mishaal, politburo members Musa Abu Marzouq,
Sami Khater, Izzat Rasheq, and spokesperson Ibrahim Ghosheh.

Jordan insisted it would no longer tolerate that "Jordanian citizens work
for a non-Jordanian organization from Jordanian territory," and the five,
who were on a visit to Iran at the time, were charged with membership in an
illegal organization, possession and stockpiling of illegal weapons, illegal
fundraising, armed activities, and use of forged documents. Upon their
return to Amman, Mishaal and his colleagues were arrested at the airport and
eventually all deported.

Internally, the regime most recently confronted the IAF with the
government's attempt to include a clause in Jordan's political parties' law
that would make it illegal for a political party to base itself exclusively
on religious foundations. Ostensibly, the clause is meant as a safeguard for
minorities, but the IAF sees it as a direct attempt at curbing its potential
... .

That political parties' law has also been the subject of some criticism from
Washington, where Jordan so far has managed to stay under the US
administration's radar for greater democratization. With Hamas' victory, US
pressure is liable to diminish. But Jordan is facing a new dilemma: a
successful Hamas will increase the popularity of Jordan's Islamists and
render it more difficult to curb their influence. A failed Hamas potentially
poses an even more serious problem, particularly if Hamas fails because of
external pressure and the PA itself collapses or a civil war breaks out.

The records of Hamas and Jordan suggest that both sides will take highly
pragmatic, if slightly uncomfortable, positions vis-a-vis each other. Each
is aware of its importance to the other, and while no outright thaw in
relations is likely in the near future, some warming can be expected. -
Published 9/2/2006

+++THE JERUSALEM POST 22 Feb.'06:"Jordan threatens to cut back ties with
Israel"
QUOTES FROM TEXT:
"Jordan threateed to cut back its official ties with Israel Wednedday
night after OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh warned that King
Abdullah II risked being toppled by an 'Islamist axis' and could be the last
king of Jordan."
"the remarks couild have a 'negative effect' on Israeli-Jordanian
relations."
"Hamas not only posed a potential threat to Israel but also to the
Hashemite Kingdom"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FULL TEXT"
Jordan threatened to cut back its official ties with Israel Wednesday night
after OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh warned that King Abdullah II
risked being toppled by an "Islamist axis" and could be the last king of
Jordan.
Speaking at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Naveh said Wednesday:
"I am not sure there will be another king after King Abdullah. Already now
80 percent of the population [in Jordan] is Palestinian. Let us try and
imagine that the entire movement from the West Bank will continue to flow
across the bridges into Jordan with the Hamas way of thinking and a Hamas
leadership. The family ties are taking on Hamas characteristics and this
means that in a few years Hamas will become stronger in Jordan."
Jordanian Charge D'affairs in Israel Omar Nadif condemned the top IDF
officer's predication, threatening that the remarks could have a "negative
effect" on Israeli-Jordanian relations.
"We strongly condemn and reject this irresponsible remark made by the senior
IDF officer," Nadif told The Jerusalem Post. "We expect the Israeli
government to take appropriate action against the officer who made the
remark, which indicates both a lack of discipline and a lack of
understanding. Such an unfriendly remark may, if it is not corrected, have a
negative impact on Jordan-Israel relations."
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz
distanced themselves from Naveh's remarks, which they said they were
investigating.
"Mofaz and Halutz wish to clarify that the remarks attributed to Naveh do
not represent Israel's official position," the statement read, saying they
were looking into the affair. "Israel sees Jordan as a strong and stable
country with a glorious tradition and promising future. Israel wishes to
express respect and appreciation to the Hashemite Kingdom's vital
contributions to the stability and peace in the region."
JCPA President Dr. Dore Gold said he interpreted Naveh's remarks to be
referring to the growing Islamic terror threats that both Jordan and Israel
were beginning to face.
"Naveh was concerned with the threats that both Israel and Jordan face in
the new strategic climate emerging to Israel's east," Gold said.
"Specifically he added that Hamas not only posed a potential threat to
Israel but also to the Hashemite Kingdom."

Jordan threatened to cut back its official ties with Israel Wednesday night
after OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh warned that King Abdullah II
risked being toppled by an "Islamist axis" and could be the last king of
Jordan.
Speaking at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Naveh said Wednesday:
"I am not sure there will be another king after King Abdullah. Already now
80 percent of the population [in Jordan] is Palestinian. Let us try and
imagine that the entire movement from the West Bank will continue to flow
across the bridges into Jordan with the Hamas way of thinking and a Hamas
leadership. The family ties are taking on Hamas characteristics and this
means that in a few years Hamas will become stronger in Jordan."
Jordanian Charge D'affairs in Israel Omar Nadif condemned the top IDF
officer's predication, threatening that the remarks could have a "negative
effect" on Israeli-Jordanian relations.
"We strongly condemn and reject this irresponsible remark made by the senior
IDF officer," Nadif told The Jerusalem Post. "We expect the Israeli
government to take appropriate action against the officer who made the
remark, which indicates both a lack of discipline and a lack of
understanding. Such an unfriendly remark may, if it is not corrected, have a
negative impact on Jordan-Israel relations."
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz
distanced themselves from Naveh's remarks, which they said they were
investigating.
"Mofaz and Halutz wish to clarify that the remarks attributed to Naveh do
not represent Israel's official position," the statement read, saying they
were looking into the affair. "Israel sees Jordan as a strong and stable
country with a glorious tradition and promising future. Israel wishes to
express respect and appreciation to the Hashemite Kingdom's vital
contributions to the stability and peace in the region."
JCPA President Dr. Dore Gold said he interpreted Naveh's remarks to be
referring to the growing Islamic terror threats that both Jordan and Israel
were beginning to face.
"Naveh was concerned with the threats that both Israel and Jordan face in
the new strategic climate emerging to Israel's east," Gold said.
"Specifically he added that Hamas not only posed a potential threat to
Israel but also to the Hashemite Kingdom."

+++HAARETZ 22 Feb. '06: "Israel fears harm to ties with Jordan due to
comments by IDF commander"
By Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondent

QUOTES FROM TEXT:
"at least 80 percent of Jordan's citizens are Palestinian"

"high-level Israeli efforts ... sought to soften the impact of Naveh's
comments"

"strengthening of Hamas in the West Bank and its connection with
Palestinians in Jordan could forge a situation in which King Abdullah might
be the last Hashemite ruler"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCERPTS:
. . .
GOC Central Command Yair Naveh said that at least 80 percent of Jordan's
citizens are Palestinian and that, due to regional threats, King Abdullah is
liable to be the last Hashemite monarch to lead the kingdom.

Naveh's comments were leaked from a closed-door meeting conducted by the
Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. ... Naveh spoke to a group of foreign
journalists and diplomats on instability and threats in the Middle East
liable to spread to Israel's neighbors.

. . .

Diplomatic officials in Amman sought clarifications to Naveh's statements.

Acting Jordanian Ambassador to Israel Omar Al-Nazif slammed Naveh's
"irresponsible declarations."

Al-Nazif told Jordan's official Petra news agency he expects the Israeli
government to take disciplinary action against Naveh. The ambassador warned
that a lack of response on the part of Israel's government is liable to
negatively impact on Israeli-Jordanian relations.

In reponse, urgent high-level Israeli efforts on Wednesday evening sought to
soften the impact of Naveh's comments.

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni contacted her Jordanian counterpart, Abdullah
al-Khatib, and emphasized that Israel considers its relations with Jordan a
strategic asset and any statement to the contrary does not at all reflect
the government's position.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz on Wednesday
evening hastened to issue a statement aimed at softening the blow of Naveh's
comments.

Mofaz's and Halutz's statement said Naveh's comments did not in any way
represent the position held by the State of Israel.

"Israel sees Jordan as a strong and stable state with magnificent tradition
and a secure future. Israel expresses its respect and appreciation for the
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's essential contributions to regional stability
and peace," the statement read.

IDF sources told Haaretz that Naveh's statements were taken out of context
and were misinterpreted.

The sources said Naveh gave a general survey on the regional situation in
light of the Hamas victory in the Palestinian elections. He spoke of the
possible dangers posed by the strengthening of a Hamas-Iran axis. Naveh said
a strengthening of Hamas in the West Bank and its connections with
Palestinians in Jordan could forge a situation in which King Adbullah might
be the last Hashemite ruler.

Naveh did not come out against the Jordanian king and made no statements
inferring Jordan is a Palestinian state, the sources said. All Naveh's
comments were made as analysis of the regional situation and as an
expression of concern of what might happen in the future, they said.

Naveh intends to send a letter of apology and clarification to his Jordanian
counterparts, Jordan's central and northern sector commanders. Mofaz and
Halutz said they would probe the incident.

Director of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Dore Gold, told Haaretz
that Naveh spoke on the security and strategic threats on Israel's eastern
front and provided his audience with a security - rather than political -
analysis.

Dr. Jospeh Lerner, Co-Director IMRA

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

From: imra-owner@imra.org.il
Subject: IMRA Subscription Info

--------------------------------------------
IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis
Website: www.imra.org.il

For free regular subscription:
Subscribe at no charge: imra-subscribe@imra.org.il
Unsubscribe: imra-unsubscribe@imra.org.il

For free daily digest subscription:
Subscribe at no charge: imra-subscribe-digest@imra.org.il
Unsubscribe: imra-unsubscribe@imra.org.il

For a copy of all reports distributed for a given day please send a
message to:

monday@imra.org.il tuesday@imra.org.il wednesday@imra.org.il
thursday@imra.org.il friday@imra.org.il
saturday@imra.org.il sunday@imra.org.il
--------------------------------------------

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

End of [imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1336 (12 messages)
**********