Brussels, 16/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - Just before the Quartet's meeting in New York on Tuesday, with a strong European representation that included the High Representative, Javier Solana, Commissioner Chris Patten and President of the Council, Per Stig Moeller, the USA toned down their demand for Yasser Arafat to be ousted. The USA demand was judged inappropriate by both European and Arab countries. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was keen to point out at the beginning of the week that a man with Mr Arafat's experience and role benefits from the loyalty of the Palestinians both at home and abroad. US Secretary of State, Colin Powell declared that he was prepared to examine a project that would confer a symbolic role on the leader of the Palestinian people. Mr Powell, was asked about a Presidential role for or the creation of a role of Prime Minister. The objectives of the Quartet meeting had not yet been outlined when we went to press (see EUROPE 13 July p 7).
A visit by EU experts is currently in the area to assess what European support could be brought to the organisation and observation of Palestinian elections planned for January 2003.