Palestinians have not fulfilled peace promise, says Israeli president

Published: 2005-12-30

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Although Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is earnest about his desire to halt Palestinian violence, so far he has been unable to do so, said Israeli President Moshe Katsav at his annual New Year's reception for local Christians and church leaders. He said Abbas was an honest, noble man whom he trusted and who has the desire to reach a "historic announcement" but unfortunately has not yet been able to fulfill his announcements. "Palestinian terror organizations are becoming more powerful; bloodshed by Palestinian terror is destroying any possibility of making any progress despite the fact that we believe the Palestinian Authority is our partner," Katsav said Dec. 29. "We believe the peace formula is very close to us; the chance to reach reconciliation is very close to us, we can touch it. But unfortunately the bloodshed (prevents it)," said Katsav, noting that a suicide bomber exploded himself at a northern checkpoint that very morning, killing one soldier and several Palestinians. "If the (Palestinian Authority) does not stop the bloodshed, we will be forced to do it ourselves."

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