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The weekly Cabinet meeting 12.1.2003 |
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The weekly Cabinet meeting 12.1.2003 |
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| (12/01/2003) |
At the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Sunday), 12.1.2003:
1. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon referred to Palestinian Authority
Chairman Yasser Arafat's remarks to the terrorist organizations to the
effect that the latter should refrain from terror attacks until after
the 28.1.2003 elections. The Prime Minister said that for the PA
Chairman, the murder of Israelis - in addition to being a constant and
permanent goal - is a political consideration. "Before the elections,
it is OK to commit murder. Close to the election date, it's better not
to. After the elections, it's OK to continue. Here, we clearly see
Yasser Arafat's true face, which is so well known to us."
Prime Minister Sharon added that such remarks underscore what Israel has
maintained for the past two years - that Yasser Arafat has established,
is responsible for and leads a coalition of terror, which he can leash
or unleash and use as he pleases. The Prime Minister asserted that one
cannot negotiate with such a man and added that any attempt to do so
will only harm our ability to achieve security and peace in this land.
All those who aspire to peace between peoples must understand that
Yasser Arafat is an obstacle to peace who must leave the political
stage.
Prime Minister Sharon referred to the "London meeting" and said that
Israel has expressed its opposition to holding a discussion on
Palestinian Authority reforms in London. Such reforms, the Prime
Minister declared, must be carried out here. The Prime Minister added
that Israel takes a grave view of a discussion on its future that is due
to be held without its participation.
Prime Minister Sharon reiterated that invitations to Arafat from outside
bodies prolong and strengthen his influence over the terror
organizations.
2. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz briefed ministers on ongoing security
issues and also discussed Israel's preparedness for the possibility of a
US attack on Iraq.
3. The Cabinet approved, in principle, the proposed amendments to Basic
Law: Knesset (on suspending an MK), and the draft political parties law
regarding party primaries. The Cabinet appointed the Ministerial
Committee on Legislation to draft the above laws and present them to the
Knesset.
The purpose of the proposed amendment to Basic Law: Knesset is to
prevent an MK, who attained his position by subverting the law, from
taking his/her seat. Any MK who is suspected of criminal action will be
suspended until the end of his/her trial.
The aim of the amendment to the political parties law is to assure
integrity in the manner in which members are selected for the party
Knesset lists, while leaving as much autonomy as possible for the
parties' particular electoral systems. The amendment proposes a system
in which the larger parties will be required to elect their party lists
by direct election involving all party members. The Parties Registrar
will set a date for party primaries and each party will be allowed to
select the way in which they are to be carried out, as well as the
method of supervision, but the rules will require approval by the
Parties Registrar, who will not be permitted to approve them in the
event that there is no way to assure integrity and fairness. When the
party list is submitted, the party and the supervising body will at the
same time, attach an affidavit that the elections were carried out
properly.
It is also proposed that the large parties will periodically register
their members with the registrar in order to locate those persons who
are members of more than one party. On the matter of financing the
primaries, it is proposed that a supervisory body receive a report from
every candidate detailing donations and expenses and a list of donors.
The body will transfer the list to the Parties Registrar, where it will
be open for public scrutiny.
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