Shaath: We want a state on 1967 borders, won't forfeit right of return
[want Jew hunting rules like the Grapes of Wrath Understanding]

[IMRA: Israeli Foreign Minister Peres also recently mentioned the dubious
"achievement" of the Grapes of Wrath April 1996 understanding that
formalized the framework for Hezbollah attacks to continue.]

By TJT Staff The Jerusalem Times (Palestinian Publication) 20 June 2002

During a trip to the US to deliver the Palestinian political view to the
American administration, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation,
Nabil Shaath, told Al Quds daily newspaper last Monday from Washington that
the way to a real peace was through the establishment of a Palestinian state
based on the 1967 borders.

He said that the Palestinian people and the PNA would reject any peace plan
which did not recognize the legitimate and historic rights of the
Palestinian people to their land. He further explained that the PNA also
rejected the establishment of a provisional state and that a timetable for a
final settlement agreement and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the land
it occupied in 1967 was essential.

Shaath said that the PNA was ready to accept an agreement with Israel
similar to the April 1996 understandings signed between the Lebanese
Resistance Movement Hezbollah and Israel, through the United Nations ,which
stipulated the cessation of attacks against civilians on both sides. We
refuse completely the idea of forfeiting the right of return for refugees
guaranteed through UN resolutions in return for establishing a Palestinian
state, Shaath stressed.

Shaath described his meetings with US Secretary of State Collin
Powell as positive adding that the US Secretary told him that the US views
President Yasser Arafat as the legitimately elected leader of the
Palestinian people.

The minister stressed that any resumption of peace talks should
be based on the principles of the land for peace formula, relevant UN
resolutions and the Saudi peace initiative. Also, he clarified that the PNA
will not negotiate any settlement that does not include Jerusalem as the
capital of the Palestinian state.

Shaath was the last figure from the region to meet with US
Administration officials during these round of consultations conducted with
Middle East leaders prior to President Bush's speech.