Elections in the Palestinian Authority - 2002-05-17

Yasser Arafat, the leader of the Palestinians, has conditioned the holding of elections in the Palestinian Authority on the end of the Israeli military occupation of Palestinian territories. Mr. Arafat told reporters at his headquarters in Ramallah that elections would be held only when the occupation of Palestinian lands, according to an agreement that should have been implemented in 1999, has ended. Other Palestinian officials express hope that elections and reforms within the Palestinian Authority will take place within the next six months. Mr. Arafat has been under pressure from the U.S., Europe, and many Palestinians to implement reforms in the leadership of the Palestinian Authority. Meanwhile, Israeli forces returned to the city of Jenin in the West Bank last night. Last month, during an Israeli military incursion into Jenin, the Palestinian city was severely damaged. The Israeli army claims that in last night's military operation, its forces arrested several Palestinian militants. According to Palestinian officials, last night's Israeli operation led to exchanges of fire between Palestinians and Israeli forces, but no reports of casualties have been received. Reports indicate that Israeli forces also entered the city of Tulkarm in the West Bank today. The Israeli army states that in the Gaza Strip, they shot and killed an armed Palestinian man as he approached a Jewish settlement.