U.S. officials are interested in the quick "disappearance" of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, preferably by natural means, according to a report in the Saudi Al Watan daily.
In the framework of plans for the "day after" Arafat's rule, American officials are crystallizing a joint Palestinian leadership, which would rule until elections are held in the Palestinian Authority, the Saudi paper reported Monday.
Moreover, the daily said that Arafat's deteriorating health has accelerated the discussion on the so-called "alternative leadership" plan.
According to the report, Washington seeks the removal of Arafat in a non-violent coup – similar to the one which ousted former Tunisian President El Habib Bourgiba by current President Zein El Abadin Bin Ali.
In addition, the U.S. officials suggest that Arab doctors create a report which would state that Arafat is currently incapable of carrying out his duties. Such a move, according to the officials, would bring about the non-violent removal of the Palestinian leader, replacing it with an alternative leadership – such as the Tunisian precedent.
Furthermore, the Americans suggest a scheme, in which Arab leaders and European officials would begin persuading Arafat to resign – and maybe even move to another Arab or European country.
The paper, citing U.S, Palestinian and European diplomatic sources, details a list of potential candidates for the alternative future joint leadership in the Post-Arafat period, which would consist of: Former Prime Minister Abu Mazen, current PM Abu Ala, Former Security Minister Mohammed Dahlan, National Security Advisor Gibril Rajoub and General Intelligence Chief Amin Al Hindi.
These officials are due to comprise the future security-political leadership, which is to lead the PA till elections are held.
This joint leadership is needed, according to the Americans and Europeans, because they believe there is no other figure now in the Palestinian Authority that can replace Arafat alone.
Meanwhile, a top Palestinian source told Al Watan that the current reports on the deteriorating health of Arafat are not merely "Israeli rumors".
"Despite the fact that there is no real threat on his life, Egyptian and Jordanian doctors who lately examined Arafat, expressed concern regarding his condition", the source said.
The official assessed that "if Arafat were to die a natural death – a civil war in the PA is not expected to break out, however added that "anarchy and confusion for a period of time are likely, until the new Palestinian leadership would be able to base its rule".
The paper added that in the PA and Fatah leaderships, an undeclared understanding exists between several Palestinian leaders on the distribution of power and positions currently held by Arafat, in case he were to retire or "disappear". In such a case, according to Palestinian law, the Chief of the Legislative Council temporarily replaces Arafat till elections are held.
In the meantime, also Monday, Ahmed Qurei's new cabinet met for the first time in the West Bank city of Ramallah to prepare for the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections and to distribute portfolios.
In addition, Arafat has appointed senior Fatah official Hakam Balawi as acting Interior Minister. The Palestinian leader also appointed Hassan Abu Libadi as the director of the Prime Minister's office. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
