Israel critical of 'Arafat legacy' policy

Israel is “discouraged” by interim Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas’ refusal to distance himself from the legacy of Yasser Arafat, Israel’s Foreign Minister said in remarks published today, the strongest Israeli criticism of Palestinian policies since Arafat’s death.

The remarks by Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom contrasted starkly with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s declaration last week that “2005 is the year of the great opportunity” in Israel’s relations with the Palestinians and could bring ”a breakthrough for which we have waited for many years”.