EFL
Absolutely amazing. How much clearer can it be - Arafat is a corrupt, despicable leech who uses the plight of the palis for his own political and financial gain. And yet, somehow the world blames Israel for the current situation.
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is preventing his prime minister from carrying out a key financial reform, and the dispute is threatening to hold up much-needed foreign aid, Cabinet ministers said Tuesday.
| Oh, gee, golly. I am so surprised. Couldja help me up off the floor, please? |
Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia denied reports that he threatened to resign over the row. However, similar disputes with Arafat pushed Qureia’s predecessor, Mahmoud Abbas, to quit last fall... The argument between Arafat and Qureia broke out after the Palestinian Cabinet decided Saturday to pay members of the security forces through deposits to their bank accounts, Cabinet ministers said. Currently, security officers are given lump sums of cash and then distribute the money to their employees — an invitation to corruption. Qureia needed the Cabinet decision ahead of a trip to European capitals this week, ministers said. Qureia knew European leaders would ask him about the issue and might condition further aid on the reform. The Palestinian Authority relies on foreign assistance for about 60 percent of its annual budget. Most of that aid comes from the European Union.
| We've caught on to the game, though any that we give is too much... |
After Saturday’s Cabinet meeting, Qureia and Arafat had a heated argument over the direct-deposit issue and Arafat refused to implement the Cabinet decision.
| "Hell, no! That's where all the beaks are wet!" |
Arafat was especially adamant about blocking salary transfers to 30,000 national security personnel who are under his direct authority, the ministers said. "There were tough discussions about the issue of security, but neither Abu Ala (Qureia) nor any other minister talked about resignation,"said Cabinet minister Jamal Shobaki.
| Eventually Qurei will be forced out, unless he turns into the complete toady. |
In the Gaza Strip, meanwhile, some 1,500 angry Palestinians early Tuesday shut down the crossing point Gaza residents use to reach jobs in Israel. The laborers were protesting new security restrictions and Monday’s death of a fellow worker they blame on Israel. Israel said the 41-year-old man had died of a heart attack.
So now acts of God are Israel’s fault too?
Also in Gaza, hospital officials said a 24-year-old Palestinian had died from wounds sustained in an explosion last Wednesday at his home in the Khan Younis refugee camp. Residents said he had been wounded while preparing explosives.
Did his friends swear Dire Revenge(tm) against the Israelis for this? |