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Cabinet Communique 30/12/2001 |
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Cabinet Communique 30/12/2001 |
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| (31/12/2001) |
1. Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer commented on the security
situation last week and noted that for the second week in a row, there
has been a decrease in the level of violence and the scope of attacks.
Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer said that partial credit for this may be
attributed to Israeli policy which has succeeded in bringing heavy
internal and external pressure to bear on the Palestinian leadership and
which has pushed it into acting on the ground. The Defense Minister
also made it clear that one must not be deluded into thinking that
Israel has achieved peace and quiet since the Palestinian Authority is
only operating superficially and because the heart of terrorism has not
been hit, and planning for deadly attacks continues. The Defense
Minister commented that most of the dangerous terrorists are still at
large and added that most of the infrastructure for terrorism has not
been hit.
Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer said that he has directed the IDF to ease
the tight closure on relatively quiet areas such as Jericho and
Bethlehem and to allow Christmas celebrations to proceed as usual.
2. In response to a question from Tourism Minister Benny Elon regarding
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres's contacts with Abu Ala, Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon made the following statement:
"Israel is committed to peace and will make every effort to achieve it.
In accordance with Cabinet and Government decisions, diplomatic
negotiations may not be held with the PA while terrorism continues and
as long as the critical steps to arrest and punish terrorists, foil
terrorist attacks, and disband the terrorist organizations have not been
taken. No discussion on diplomatic issues will be held - including the
issue of a Palestinian state - without Cabinet discussion and approval;
this is the existing policy. Contacts with PA officials - in accordance
with Cabinet decisions - can be about the cessation of terrorism,
violence and incitement only."
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said that his mandate is to conclude a
cease-fire, and if diplomatic negotiations come up, the issue will be
submitted to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
3. Labor and Social Welfare Minister Shlomo Ben-Izri briefed the Cabinet
on the handicapped strike. The Minister detailed the compensation the
handicapped receive and commented on their demands. The Cabinet decided
to establish an inter-ministerial committee headed by the Assistant to
the Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office, and including
representatives from the Labor and Social Welfare, Finance, and Health
Ministries, and the National Insurance Institute, to conduct continuous
negotiations with representatives of the striking handicapped.
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