NEWS: Abbas Pledges Security Services Reform, page 1

Palestinian PM Abbas pledged to reform the Palestinian Security Services whilst speaking in London today. It came at a meeting convened to build on the recent Mid-East progress. Reforming Palestinian Security Services has been long seen as vital to real progress with regards to Israeli withdrawals and Palestinian statehood.

story.news.yahoo.com
LONDON - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas pledged Tuesday to reform the tangled Palestinian security forces — a goal long sought by the international community and considered vital ahead of Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and part of the West Bank.

Addressing a conference convened to build on the recent Mideast progress and ensure the Palestinians an infusion of financial aid, Abbas also condemned a recent suicide bomb attack in Tel Aviv that killed five Israelis, warning that "the extremist forces are still intent to destroy any efforts toward peace."

The one-day event, hosted by Britain, brought together international figures, from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to senior Arab and European figures.

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This has long been a sticking point with virtually all sides bar the late Arrafat willing to carry this out. Now that we have a commitment from Abbas that he will reform these virtually renegade Security Forces I can see a great leap forward. Especially amidst the latest bombing attempt from unknown terrorists wishing to derail the peace process yet again.

Ive said it before and I'll say it again, the progress being made in the last few months in the Middle East is nothing short of incredible.

[edit on 1/3/05 by subz]