The U.S. and Israel are now very invested in allowing Palestinian elections, on the assumption that they will elect “moderates” who will take steps to suppress militant groups and end attacks on Israel; but, beyond this, there is no evidence that they plan to recognize Palestinian claims in the interest of a just settlement to the conflict. The Guardian reports that new PLO President Mahmoud Abbas and PA Prime Minster Ahmed Qureia met with Powell and pressed him on several issues of importance to Palestinians.
- They presented data on the growth of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and asked for an end to settlement building.
- They requested an end to assassinations of Palestinian political leaders by Israel.
- They gave Powell a folder of statistics on the impact of the Security Fence on Palestinian farms and villages.
- They asked that the U.S. recommit to the Road Map, including the stated timetable, which calls for a Palestinian state by 2005.
On all points, Powell was noncommittal.
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