Yasser Arafat retained control over all security in the territories Saturday in a deal worked out with Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia. Under the agreement, Palestinian forces will take their orders from a 12-member Supreme National Security Council that Arafat chairs. Qureia is a member of the group, which was set up in September. Arafat also got his way in the choice of an interior minister. Qureia relented on his demand that Gen. Nasser Yussuf get the job. Instead, a close associate of Arafat’s, Hakam Balaawi, was named. If the appointment is confirmed, Qureia wants the new interior minister’s powers restricted. But Arafat wants Balaawi to play a central role carrying out security orders, rather than simply handling civilian matters. Talks were scheduled to continue Sunday at Arafat’s compound in Ramallah.
Damn. No word on Arafat’s health. |