| Submit your comments on this article |
| Middle East |
| Blair Invites Paleoleaders to London |
| 2002-12-17 |
| Tony Blair said Monday, December 16, he was inviting Palestinian leaders to London for talks, as visiting Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad said he was optimistic that a U.S.-led war on Iraq could be avoided. I'm optimistic that my hair's gonna grow back, too... Blair - who met earlier Monday with Al-Assad - told the House of Commons that he would in the new year invite Palestinian leaders to discuss progress on reform and to look at how the international community could help. He added that representatives of the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States, together with countries from the Middle East region, would also be invited to attend the talks. It will discuss progress on reform and look at how the international community can help, said Blair, who was reporting back to members of parliament on the outcome of the E.U. summit in Copenhagen last Thursday and Friday. It is in the interests of both the Palestinians and Israelis that these reform efforts succeed, so that we can make a reality of President (George W.) Bushs vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, he said, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. It was not immediately clear which Palestinian leaders were being invited to London, or whether President Yasser Arafat would be among them. I don't imagine Yasser would be among them. First, it would give him some legitimacy back, at a time when the U.S. and Israel are both refusing to deal with him. Second, if he does go to London, there's no guarantee at all that he'll be allowed back into Paleostine by the Israelis. Third, if he is allowed back into Paleostine, he might get there to find that the Paleostinians have a new administration, headed by Hamas. FOLLOWUP: Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was back in the spotlight after agreeing to send a delegation to Britain for talks on reforms and urging international powers to relaunch the peace process. Toldja so. He won't be a member of the delegation... |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |
| #1 "Oh, and guys, while you're there; pop in to Sainesbury's and pick up some baby wipes. No, the unscented--and stop at Murphy's Pub in Camden Town for some more Semtex". |
| Posted by: Anonymous 2002-12-17 19:37:02 |