Katsav: Elections Are True Referendum on Israel’s Borders
Excerpts:
“Likud members have launched an initiative to try to persuade President Moshe Katsav to lead it in the upcoming March general elections, Channel two reported on Saturday night.”
“Earlier on Saturday, Katsav said that the forthcoming March elections will be the true referendum on Israel’s political path and future borders.”
“‘This time, it is the true referendum,’ Katsav said in an interview to Israel Radio. ‘We must reach a decision in the debate that has been going on for 38 years since the Six-Day War.’”
“‘The parties must present the voters with clear, responsible positions on all the issues that are on the balance, including the state’s permanent borders,’ Katsav said.”
Israel: Barghouti to Stay in Jail Until Peace Deal
Excerpts:
“Israel may release Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti only in the framework of a future peace agreement with the Palestinians, a senior government official said Saturday, following the jailed leader’s victory in the Fatah’s internal elections.”
“According to the official, ‘It is common that peace agreements are accompanied by the release of prisoners, but even then it is not certain that he would be released.’ Barghouti is serving five life terms in jail for deadly attacks on Israelis.”
“On Friday, primaries were held in five of the largest West Bank districts – Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, Jenin and Tubas. In coming days, primaries were expected in several more districts in the West Bank and Gaza.”
“Barghouti had a very strong showing in the West Bank town of Ramallah where he was running from prison, winning some 30,000 votes out of the 40,000 eligible Fatah voters.”
“Beilin said Barghouti made a terrible mistake in participating in the uprising, but ‘today he can be a moderating and positive influence. Therefore I think it would be right for the government to ask the President to pardon him.'”
“Over the past few months there have been rumors that the U.S. administration will lead a move for Barghouti’s release, in return for the release of Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard from a U.S. prison. Israeli diplomatic and security officials have denied these rumors.”
“Barghouti’s wife, Fadwa, said her husband’s strong showing is a message to Israel that ‘Marwan is not a terrorist, he is a leader of his people and his people will not abandon him.'”
Barghouti Wins Fatah Primaries
Excerpts:
“Marwan Barghouti, the Tanzim leader jailed in Israel, scored an impressive victory in the Fatah’s Ramallah region primaries, winning 96 percent of the vote and beating out 44 other candidates.”
“Foreign Minister Shalom says Barghouti will never be released.”