U.S. President Bush, following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, expressed US reservations about the new Palestinian cabinet.
Answering questions following the White House talks, he said conditions were not yet ripe for a proposed international meeting on the Middle East because "no one has confidence in the emerging Palestinian government."
The confidence-building process will require "security steps, transparency when it comes to economic matters, anti-corruption devices, rule of law enforced by a court system," said Bush.
Sharon, who described the talks as "fruitful," said Israel was still seeking a partner for peace negotiations, evidently ruling out further efforts to negotiate with Arafat.
"At the present time, we don't see yet a partner. We hope there will be a partner there with whom we'll be able to move forward, first, to achieve a durable peace in the area and, second, of course, to provide security to the citizens of our countries," he said.
As Israeli Sharon started his talks with Bush on Monday, the White House defended Israel's latest assault on the Palestinian Authority headquarters in Ramallah.
"Our understanding is that the Israeli operation is limited in duration and it is to go after specific terrorists. And given that understanding, the United Stteas has said before that Israel has a right to defend itself," White House press secretary Ari Fleischer told reporters.
"The United States will be closely monitoring what Israel is doing and the United States again reminds Israel about the importance of remembering the repercussions of whatever action Israel takes today impacting the broader goals of achieving peace tomorrow," Fleischer added.
Ramallah Raid
Israeli troops moved into the West Bank town of Ramallah early Monday. Israel Radio reported that the forces entered the Palestinian leader's compound in Ramallah, completing the destruction of three buildings in the compound that were hit during an Israeli operation last Thursday.
The Israeli military denied these reports. The army spokesman's office said Israeli soldiers surrounded Arafat's compound to prevent Palestinian gunmen from escaping there, but did not enter.
The latest incursion began around 4 a.m. (local time). Local Palestinian residents said at least two dozen tanks, armored personnel carriers and jeeps thrust into the city, covered by helicopters hovering overhead and bursts of machinegun fire.
Soldiers moved among houses around the Amari refugee camp, next to Ramallah, entering one house as two trucks parked outside. Troops also moved through the suburb of Beituniyah, witnesses said. The Israeli army said 27 suspects were arrested in Ramallah, and additional arrests were made in other nighttime raids in other parts of the West Bank.
Israeli forces arrested the local chief of the Islamic Jihad, israel's Defense Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer told state radio.
A Palestinian policeman was killed by Israeli gunfire during this raid, Palestinian security sources said.
Palestinian Information Minister, Yasser Abed Rabbo said Arafat was in the compound but was safe. Israel has repeatedly said it does not intend to harm the Palestinian leader.
"Arafat is inside the compound and he is unhurt," Abed Rabbo told Reuters.
The Palestinians said Israel was trying to undermine the Authority by carrying out new raids at a time they were carrying out reforms and that Ariel Sharon's visit to Washington "shows that the U.S. administration supports this occupation and operation."
Meanwhile, the PA said the first session of its new cabinet would not take place on Monday as planned, because the Israeli troops continued to encircle Arafat's compound.
In the center of the city, Israeli troops took over a building that housed a number of foreign television networks and services, including Jordanian and Abu Dhabi Television, and Reuters Television. Workers were barred from entering the building, reports said.
Gaza Blast
Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, powerful explosion rocked the Jebaliya refugee camp early Monday, destroying one building and damaging nearby homes, witnesses said.
One Palestinian woman was killed and at least 40 people were injured, including three in critical condition, hospital officials said. Witnesses said the blast came from inside the building, but Palestinian officials would not comment on the cause. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
