232 Israel suspends diplomatic contacts with the Palestinian Authority- 28 January 2001

28 Jan 2001
 VOLUME 18: 1999-2001
 
  232. Israel suspends diplomatic contacts
with the Palestinian Authority, 28 January 2001

On 28 January, Arafat denounced Israel's "fascist" military actions in an address to the World Economic Forum in Davos. Prime Minister Barak decided to call off the talks until after the elections. Text:

Prime Minister Ehud Barak has decided today (Sunday), 28 January, 2001, not to continue the diplomatic contacts with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat and his people until after the elections in Israel. The security contacts
regarding a relaxation on the ground, the cessation of violence and counter-terrorism will continue.

The Israeli government continues to adhere to the peace process on the basis of upholding Israel's vital interests: Palestinian refugees will have no right of return to the State of Israel; the Prime Minister will not sign any document that transfers sovereignty over the Temple Mount to the Palestinians; 80% of the settlers in Judea, Samaria and Gaza [will be] in settlement blocs under Israeli sovereignty.

Prime Minister Barak announced his decision to Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.