Proof: Iraq war is for Israeli security, says USA

[S.R. Prozak]

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?
itemNo=280483&contrassID=2&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0&listSrc=Y

U.S.: AFTER IRAQ, WE'LL DEAL WITH OTHER RADICAL MIDEAST REGIMES

By Aluf Benn -- Haaretz (Israel) -- Friday, April 4, 2003

A communique received in Jerusalem from the American administration this
week says the United States is operating with strong resolution to
neutralize
the Iraqi threat to Israel. After the war, the message continued, the
United
States will deal with other radical regimes in the region - not
necessarily by
military means - to moderate their activities and fight terrorism.

These current and future U.S. operations will also serve Israel, the
American administration says, but have caused tensions between the United
States and the Arab world. Israel, the American message says, must play
its
part to help ease these tensions by taking action with regard to
settlements
in the territories.

The message from Washington adds that the current U.S. administration has
no illusions about peace and a return to the political process, merely a
realistic view of how to manage the conflict.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will meet on Sunday with Foreign Minister
Silvan Shalom, who returned yesterday from a visit to the United States,
and
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz to discuss Israel's position on the
international "road map" for a resolution of the conflict with the
Palestinians.

The three will also discuss the recent U.S. communique, which speaks of
the
importance of dealing with the settlements as a means of bolstering U.S.
standing in the region.

The heads of the U.S. administration chose not to raise the issue of the
settlements in their meetings with Shalom this week. Israeli sources
believe
the Americans made an effort to ensure the success of the foreign
minister's
first visit to Washington in his current capacity with the purpose of
creating
a solid foundation for future talks with him.

The principal issue discussed in Shalom's meetings in Washington was the
appointment of Abu Mazen as Palestinian Authority prime minister and the
importance of Israel taking steps to ensure his success in the position.
As is
the case in Jerusalem, Washington is not convinced of Abu Mazen's ability
to
take real powers out of PA Chairman Yasser Arafat's hands. Nor does it
know if
Abu Mazen will be able to impose his will on the elements of power and
terror
organizations on the Palestinian side.

However, the Americans do expect that Israel will not get in his way and
will help Abu Mazen in any way that it can. They reminded Shalom that Abu
Mazen's appointment as prime minister suited the U.S. strategy regarding a
change in the Palestinian leadership.

Shalom's hosts - President George Bush, Vice-President Richard
Cheney, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and Powell - did not
raise
any specific demands for specific steps on the part of Israel. These were
passed on in advance of the visit via diplomatic channels and included
expectations for the removal of roadblocks and checkpoints in the
territories,
entrance into Israel for Palestinian workers, the accelerated release of
Palestinian funds held by Israel, the evacuation of illegal outposts and
the
toning down of statements made by Israeli public figures.

The foreign minister reminded his American interlocutors that all of
Israel's past efforts to ease the humanitarian distress in the territories
had
paved the way for more terror attacks. Shalom stressed Israel's demand
that
the process be conducted in a reciprocal manner, beginning with steps by
the
Palestinians to prevent terror and implement government reforms.
Thereafter,
Shalom told the Americans, Israel would play its part.

He made it clear that Israel was not prepared for a parallel process of
mutual steps. The Americans made an effort to convince Shalom that the
road
map represented an opportunity for progress, sat well with the interests
of
both the United States and Israel, and that there was no cause to reopen
the
issue for discussion and amendment.

Political sources in Jerusalem said they had been encouraged by Powell's
speech to his European counterparts in Brussels yesterday in which he said
that the United States would do all in its power to preserve the road map
unchanged, but that everyone should understand that the plan would be
meaningless if it wasn't accepted by both sides.
-- 
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