We Want Jerusalem BEFORE an Agreement: PA Information Minister

Looking for the concession of the day,Palestinian Authority Information Minister Riad El Malki said Monday afternoon that the Palestinians would demand at Annapolis that Israel reopen Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem under the framework of phase one of the Road Map.

"In exchange for this action on our part, we are planning to demand at Annapolis the reopening of Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem in accordance with the obligations contained in phase one of the Road Map," the minister said.

Prime minister tells Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Israel plans to release prisoners as goodwill gesture ahead of peace conference. Although Palestinian president lacks sufficient power, he adds, reality could change. 'This is the first time both sides agree that the entire deal will be subject to the implementation of the Road Map,' he says לכתבה המלאה

El Malki added that the Palestinians would also ask for what he called a "serious and meaningful" prisoner release and an immediate halt to all building activity in the Israeli settlements.

Here's the part I don't get the reigning in of terrorist activities has been promised for seven years now...it was supposed to be the first act under the road map. Olmert has granted amnesty to Fatah fighters (even though the continue to fight) and today they Israel announced its third prisoner release (over the objections of the IDF). Now the PA wants access to Jerusalem without an agreement (God forbid they get it with an agreement) as well as other concessions. My question is why is Shas and Yisrael Beitenu still in the government. They can bring Olmert down TODAY. But they lack the conviction of their beliefs.



PA minister: Reopen Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem


Palestinian Authority Information Minister Riad El Malki said Monday afternoon that the Palestinians would demand at Annapolis that Israel reopen Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem under the framework of phase one of the Road Map.

In a press conference following a meeting of the Palestinian cabinet, the minister said that the Palestinians are upholding their commitments to the Road Map and are currently implementing a security strategy aimed at eliminating anarchy in the West Bank.

"In exchange for this action on our part, we are planning to demand at Annapolis the reopening of Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem in accordance with the obligations contained in phase one of the Road Map," the minister said.

Prime minister tells Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Israel plans to release prisoners as goodwill gesture ahead of peace conference. Although Palestinian president lacks sufficient power, he adds, reality could change. 'This is the first time both sides agree that the entire deal will be subject to the implementation of the Road Map,' he says
לכתבה המלאה

El Malki added that the Palestinians would also ask for what he called a "serious and meaningful" prisoner release and an immediate halt to all building activity in the Israeli settlements.


"If we are ready for the possibility that all obligations and progress tied to the Road Map – like the prisoners and the opening of PA institutions in Jerusalem – will be fulfilled only in a gradual manner, then we will demand an immediate halt to all building activity in the Israeli settlements."


The PA minister further emphasized that the two sides have yet to agree on a joint-statement to be read at Annapolis.

According to El Malki, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet at week's end with Arab foreign ministers to formulate a unified Arab stance before the summit. The minister concluded his remarks by saying that negotiations are ongoing and that the PA sees Annapolis as a most important opportunity for the renewal of ties between the Palestinians and Israelis.