(Scotsman-UK) Palestinians need time to "build a new house" following Arafat's death, said Gaza strongman Mohammed Dahlan Friday. Dahlan, who commands a loyal following in Gaza, told the Israeli Yediot Ahronot daily that halting four years of violence with Israel will not be the first priority of the post-Arafat leadership. "A cease-fire is not the first stage. We are building a new house now from the foundations. That is the first task," he said. Dahlan indicated it was unlikely Palestinian forces will crack down on militant groups as demanded by Israel and the U.S. "Whoever thinks that in a month or two we can send forces (against the militants) is living with an illusion," he said.
2004-11-12 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive