Palestinian Leader Urges Calm

(AP)  With a week to go before Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas warned his people Tuesday that attacks during the pullout would harm their chances for independence.

He also reassured Hamas rivals that long-overdue parliamentary elections will be held in January, although he did not set an exact date.

"There is a requirement to ensure the withdrawal takes place in a civilized manner," Abbas told Palestinian legislators in Gaza City. "We will be able to show the world we deserve independence and freedom."

Later Tuesday, Israeli and Palestinian officials reached agreement on the disposal of rubble from the Jewish settlements that will be destroyed — a crucial point of coordination. Abbas was to announce on Wednesday whether he accepts the agreement.

Israeli and Palestinian officials working to coordinate the withdrawal agreed that Israel will take in dangerous rubble, including asbestos, while the Palestinians will remove the rest. Israel is to fund the Palestinian part, but the World Bank will administer the money.

International envoy James Wolfensohn, an American, participated in the meeting and was to report on its results to President Bush.

Abbas told his parliament that Palestinian behavior during the pullout will determine how the world perceives their ability to run their own affairs. Violent groups like Hamas want to show they are driving the Israelis out by force, but Abbas wants a smooth handover.

He also promised to hold long-delayed parliamentary elections in January as a gesture to the militants.

Hamas, which is entering candidates for the first time and hopes to build on recent victories in local elections, has harshly criticized Abbas' decision to postpone the parliamentary vote, originally set for July 17.

In his speech before Parliament, Abbas' main focus was on easing the way for Israel to exit the coastal territory. Israel plans to remove all 21 settlements, with about 8,500 residents, and has warned of harsh reprisals in response to Palestinian attacks during the withdrawal.

Abbas warned against looting after the withdrawal, saying the land on which the settlements were built belongs to all Palestinians.

He also cautioned against excessive celebrations because the pullout falls far short of the Palestinian goal of full independence in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page »