Palestinians warned today US President Mr George W. Bush's ‘moment of truth’ was swiftly approaching in the Israeli-Arab conflict.
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"Now, the time is coming for Mr Bush to say to the Israeli side you are delaying and not implementing the Mitchell plan," top negotiator Mr Saeb Erakat said.
"The US administration knows the Palestinian side is committed to the Mitchell report, and (Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel) Sharon has not moved to implement it," he added.
The Mitchell plan includes a freeze on Jewish settlement building, a lifting of the army closure on the Palestinian territories, side by side with a Palestinian crackdown on anti-Israeli attacks.
Mr Erakat refused to comment on Mr Bush's noncommittal stance with regard to a meeting with Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat.
"If I am convinced that a meeting with a particular party at this point in time will further the process, I will do so," Mr Bush said last night.
"If it turns out to be an empty photo opportunity that creates expectations that will become dashed, I won't meet."
But he also reiterated his support for a Palestinian state, first voiced last week.
"I believe there ought to be a Palestinian state, the boundaries of which will be negotiated by the parties so long as the Palestinian state recognizes the right of Israel to exist, and will treat Israel with respect, and will be peaceful on her borders," Mr Bush said.
AFP