Hundreds of supporters of Jibril Rajoub, the sacked West Bank security chief, took to the streets in his defense in Hebron. About 700 people had gathered at the start of the rally, chanting slogans such as “Arafat is our leader, Jibril Rajoub is an innocent man," and taking advantage of a lifting of the curfew by the Israeli army.
Rajoub, speaking to Israel's Army Radio earlier Sunday, said that he had agreed with Yasser Arafat regarding his replacement and that he was not angry with the PA leader but rather with the person who leaked the whole story.
Rajoub stated that the reasons for transferring a commander from one post to another were unimportant. "What is it to you," he asked his interviewer. "Is it a world war? It's not important." He said that Arafat's position would remain "what it once was and will always be what it once was."
Asked if he predicts more bloodshed, Rajoub said that he hopes the bloodshed will stop and that he is concerned for the future of the Palestinian and Israeli children.
Meanwhile, Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman held talks on Sunday with Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres. He was planned to meet Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the afternoon against the backdrop of Israeli reoccupation.
During the meetings, Suleiman told Ben-Eliezer and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres that Egypt wants to calm the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, but Israel must give the Palestinians hope. Israel Radio quoted Peres as telling Suleiman that the Palestinian Authority had to combat “terrorism,” and had to crack down on armed groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Originally, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's advisor, Osama el-Baz, was to join Suleiman but official Egyptian sources said Saturday night that it appeared that Suleiman would be travelling alone.
Mubarak announced the mission a few days ago saying that he is concerned that the situation may deteriorate, leading the "entire region into anarchy." Officials in Cairo described the intelligence chief's visit as "overly important."
Israel Radio quoted sources in Jerusalem as saying that Egypt wants to enhance its involvement in implementing PA reforms and also wants a role in selecting a new Palestinian leadership, should Arafat step aside. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
