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09/02/2005
Palestinian militants say ceasefire is 'not binding'
Yesterday's historic ceasefire between Israel and the newly elected Palestinian leadership has been disowned by both Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the two Palestinian militant groups responsible for most of the attacks on Israel during the four-year Intifada.
The two groups are currently observing an unofficial truce, however, which is expected to continue until the outcome of further talks between Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli government are known.
The ceasefire, agreed yesterday after a summit meeting in Egypt, also provides for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli withdrawal from some West Bank areas.
Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, announced the bi-lateral ceasefire, during talks in Egypt, hosted by Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, at the Sharm el-Sheikh resort.
It was the first time that Mr Sharon had met with Mr Abbas, since he took over from Yasser Arafat, who died in November.
The summit followed a visit by US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, who encouraged both sides to discuss a possible peace agreement.
Both Mr Sharon and Mr Abbas are due to meet with President Bush for further discussions in Washington in the next few months.
(GB/SP)
The two groups are currently observing an unofficial truce, however, which is expected to continue until the outcome of further talks between Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli government are known.
The ceasefire, agreed yesterday after a summit meeting in Egypt, also provides for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli withdrawal from some West Bank areas.
Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, announced the bi-lateral ceasefire, during talks in Egypt, hosted by Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, at the Sharm el-Sheikh resort.
It was the first time that Mr Sharon had met with Mr Abbas, since he took over from Yasser Arafat, who died in November.
The summit followed a visit by US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, who encouraged both sides to discuss a possible peace agreement.
Both Mr Sharon and Mr Abbas are due to meet with President Bush for further discussions in Washington in the next few months.
(GB/SP)
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08 February 2005
Israeli and Palestinian leaders announce Middle East ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, have announced a ceasefire, during talks in Egypt today. Mr Sharon announced a cessation of military action against Palestinians and Mr Abbas announced an immediate ceasefire.
Israeli and Palestinian leaders announce Middle East ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, have announced a ceasefire, during talks in Egypt today. Mr Sharon announced a cessation of military action against Palestinians and Mr Abbas announced an immediate ceasefire.
01 March 2005
Abbas pledges reforms at Middle-East conference
The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has told delegates at a high level conference in London that he is committed to reforms.
Abbas pledges reforms at Middle-East conference
The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has told delegates at a high level conference in London that he is committed to reforms.
10 January 2005
Abbas wins Palestinian Presidential election
Mahmoud Abbas has achieved a landslide victory in the Palestinian Presidential elections. Mr Abbas, the moderate leader of the Fatah political faction, will be the successor to Yasser Arafat who died last year.
Abbas wins Palestinian Presidential election
Mahmoud Abbas has achieved a landslide victory in the Palestinian Presidential elections. Mr Abbas, the moderate leader of the Fatah political faction, will be the successor to Yasser Arafat who died last year.
11 November 2004
Arafat passes away in French hospital
The Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has died at a French military hospital in the early hours of this morning. The 75-year-old Palestinian leader is understood to have died from a brain haemorrhage after slipping into a coma on November 3.
Arafat passes away in French hospital
The Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has died at a French military hospital in the early hours of this morning. The 75-year-old Palestinian leader is understood to have died from a brain haemorrhage after slipping into a coma on November 3.
12 November 2004
Arafat's coffin arrives in Ramallah
The body of the Yasser Arafat has arrived in Ramallah – the compound where he spent two years blockaded in by the Israeli army. The Palestinian leader, whom Tony Blair described as having "symbolised the Palestinian national movement", is expected to be buried in a stone coffin inside his ruined compound before sunset.
Arafat's coffin arrives in Ramallah
The body of the Yasser Arafat has arrived in Ramallah – the compound where he spent two years blockaded in by the Israeli army. The Palestinian leader, whom Tony Blair described as having "symbolised the Palestinian national movement", is expected to be buried in a stone coffin inside his ruined compound before sunset.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
