Palestinians Chilly To Netanyahu Plan

(AP)  Palestinian officials on Thursday gave a cool reception to a new Israeli plan to develop the West Bank economy, saying the initiative "will make things worse" if it is not accompanied by negotiations aimed at reaching a final peace accord.

The skepticism from the Palestinians came just over a week before the new Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, heads to Washington for talks. Netanyahu, who took office in late March, is still formulating his foreign policy and is expected to present his vision for Mideast peace when he meets President Barack Obama.

Netanyahu has resisted international calls to endorse the goal of forming a Palestinian state on lands currently controlled by Israel. The "two-state solution" is a centerpiece of American policy in the region.

Netanyahu has argued that the Palestinians are not ready for independence. Instead, he has called for "economic peace," a vaguely defined plan to boost the Palestinians' moribund economy to lay the groundwork for future peace talks.

Netanyahu's office said late Wednesday that he would head a high-level committee that will work on developing the Palestinian economy and improving the quality of life in the West Bank.

The committee will include Israel's finance and defense ministers and will soon begin work on several development projects in the West Bank, the statement said.

The Palestinians have greeted Netanyahu's economic plan with skepticism, saying it is little more than a delaying tactic to prevent them from gaining independence. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to plead his case at the White House in late May, shortly after Netanyahu's visit.

Nabil Abu Rdeneh, a top aide to Abbas, said the coming weeks would be critical.

"We will see what Netanyahu presents to the Americans," he told The Associated Press. "If he is committed to the two-state solution, then there is a chance to move forward. But if he insists on talking about the economic solution, then this will be a waste of time."

"Without moving on the political track ... it will not lead to peace or solutions," he added. "On the contrary, it will make things worse."

One of the biggest obstacles for peacemakers is the internal rivalry that has left the Palestinians divided between two governments - Abbas' pro-Western administration in the West Bank and the Hamas militant group's regime in the Gaza Strip. Hamas seized control of Gaza in June 2007 after routing Abbas' forces there.

Hamas and Abbas' Fatah movement have held months of negotiations aimed at forming a unity government. But on Thursday, an Abbas aide signaled the talks had failed, saying the president would soon ask his prime minister to form a new government without Hamas.

Abbas' prime minister, Salam Fayyad, stepped down in March to clear the way for the latest round of unity talks.

The aide, Yasser Abed Rabbo, noted that the Egyptian-brokered talks have gone nowhere. "If they continue like this, it could last for years," he said. Another round of talks is set for next week.

The sides remain deadlocked over Fatah's insistence that Hamas yield to international demands to recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept existing agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.

Early Thursday an Israeli soldier was killed during a clash with Palestinians in a West Bank village, the military said. He was identified as Sgt. Noam Rechter-Levi, 20. The military said he immigrated to Israel with his family from Canada 13 years ago. He was apparently killed by a bullet from his own rifle, but the circumstances were unclear.

[U-R-So-Wrong]

we Palestinians don't cut heads off. We rather tie our victims up, get close to them, feel their necks with our fingers as we breath on them, and then gently bite to draw some blood. That's all we need, just a bit of blood to keep us going. Mmmm, yummy.
Posted by PhilistineTheArtLover


But only on special occasions, like it says in the encyclopedia.

[johnb8888]

Truth is, the "Palestinians" would much rather continue the status quo than have their own "state". If they had a country, they would have to become responsible for terror acts committed by their citizens. UN troops could be sent to sit on the border of "Palestine" and Israel, to stop the bombers from crossing. Hamass sure wouldn't like that! It's much more to Hamass' favor to avoid peace at all costs.

[hamiltongrad]

HELP ! THE PLIGHT OF THE TALIBANIANS



The world cringes as more violence erupts against the insurgent Taliban. A rag tagged group of locals, with home made weapons and fire power no match for the US supported Pakistani army.

"This disproportionate use of FORCE against a group of indigenous Muslims must stop." Demanded Peace leaders, in a historic signed statement, from the world capstone of ideas, universities and KPFK radio station, marching in solidarity with grassroots peace activists, from NYC West Side and LA's Malibu community .

By UN count, the peace lovingTaliban insurgents have lost over 2500 people including 699 children and 1888 women, all pregnant. The Pakistan Army reports no deaths, and only minor injury to one male soldier during staffing of a Taliban school for girls, during prayer, at mid day, and also during a funeral, at mid day.

"The land in dispute must be given to the historical rightful peoples." Taliban leaders pleaded for help and support in their peaceful quest for justice. " What kind of people would allow these army thugs to take away their heritage lands. My grand father once had relations with a goat on this very hill." Cried Alfonla Bur Yupmysssa. Others just wailed and climbed over a wreck of a car, looking for white chicklets.

The international community will be hosting a special DERBIN session next week , to focus on the the terrible tragedy of the Talianians. (alliteration trumps ideas and thought)

And the Massacre at Ja...welll do you get the picture ??

WHEN WILL THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE END ?

[quaso]

OK, I get it. Stimulate the economy...
Bibi wants to let the Pals build casinos!!

[Culture_Warrior_in_09]

What's a "Palestinian"?

When was the nation of "Palestine" founded?

What are its borders?

What's it's capital?

What's the main industry that fuels its economy?

Is there any "Palestinian" literature before the year 1967?

What's the main educational system in "Palestine"?

[hamiltongrad]

NOT IN OUR INTEREST TO HAVE ANOTHER TERROR STATE


If so... Why not give the Taliban their own state. Why are the Pakistani fighting, bombing villages those "insurgents".

The Taliban are cutting off the heads of peaceful Pakistanis, again.

IS THERE DISPROPORTIONATE USE OF FORCE CBS ???

And, now that you are reading this...........Why is Israel always blamed for "Disproportionate use of Force" - Isn't that what the US and the Pakistan. are doing ( tanks, airplanes, bombs, armed troops invading... as we speak to try to kill the Taliban ??

And no CBS OR BBC criticism for the US or Pak... only Israel gets singled out.

And.. one more thing...... The West Bank PLO just ordered an Arab husband and wife legally PUT TO DEATH for selling their house to a Jewish Person. What does that tell you about the " moderate " FATAH ? Some neighbors.