NEWS: Palestinians Reject Sharons Peace Test, page 1

The Palestinian leadership has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Arial Shaon�s proposed test. Both the Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath, and Palestine Liberation Organization leader Mahmoud Abbas have shot down Sharon�s proposed preconditions for peace talks. Both saying basically that preconditions to peace talks should not be set, and that they recognize there are issues to discuss.

reuters.myway.com
GAZA (Reuters) - The Palestinian Authority on Friday rejected Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's new and seemingly softer terms for restarting peace talks, saying he should drop all conditions for dialogue.

Sharon, proposing what he called a test for a new Palestinian leadership, said on Thursday it could show its desire for peace by ending anti-Israeli "incitement" even before the crackdown he has long demanded it launch against militants.

Israeli analysts said Sharon's comments were a departure from his long-standing condition that the Palestinian Authority must dismantle militant groups, as a U.S.-backed peace "road map" demands, before direct talks between the sides can resume.

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

Setting preconditions for peace talks does not help the process along. It is curious that PM Sharon is willing to discuss peace with the PA leadership even before elections can be held to name a permanent leadership.

Both sides appear to be ready to move forward, however Sharon�s proposed test has been viewed as unreasonable by the Palestinian leadership.

Related AboveTopSecret.com Discussion Threads:
WAR: Sharon Eases Conditions for Peace Talks
NEWS: Abbas Vows Arms Crackdown Before Palestinian Vote