The Quartet members steering Middle East diplomacy urged the Palestinians on Friday to take immediate, decisive steps to stop violence and told Israel to stop settlement activity.
In the statement, after meeting in New York, the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations recognized Israel's right to self-defense in the face of attacks on its civilians.
"The quartet members condemn the vicious terror attacks of August and September. They call on the Palestinians to take immediate and decisive steps against individuals and groups planning violent attacks," the statement said, according to Reuters.
Also on Friday, Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was quoted as saying an interview that he is determined to "remove" Yasser Arafat one day, even though the Palestinian leader might get hurt if he is seized by Israeli troops.
Sharon told the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot that a decision to that effect by Israel's security Cabinet on Sept. 11 canceled his personal promise to President Bush not to harm the Palestinian leader physically.
"You have to keep in mind that it is very difficult to ensure that he (Arafat) won't be harmed if we seize him," Sharon said. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
