Mideast mediators draft Gaza 'action plan'

1.00pm

WASHINGTON - The Middle East mediating group of major powers has prepared a draft "action plan" for Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, including proposals on overhauling Palestinian security forces and providing financial backing.

The draft by the so-called "Quartet" -- the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia -- also foresees limiting the role of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, whom Washington wants to sideline.

The document, obtained by Reuters on Monday, says the Quartet partners may ask the UN Security Council to back the withdrawal plan, which won Israeli government approval on Sunday in a compromise that would require further cabinet votes before any Jewish settlements are removed.

Entitled Gaza Disengagement: Action Plan, the document calls for giving the Palestinian prime minister and the Cabinet -- rather than Arafat -- the "authority and structures" to direct and implement political and economic reforms in Gaza.

US President George W Bush has embraced Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's withdrawal plan as a way to revive the US-backed "road map" for peace but it has drawn scepticism from Palestinians and many of their supporters in Europe.

The draft "action plan" sets timelines for specific actions, giving a task force on Palestinian reforms up to 60 days to assess the steps necessary for Palestinians elections.

The World Bank, likewise, was given 60 days to assess Gaza's reconstruction and development needs, as well as the value of buildings and equipment that will be left behind by departing Israeli settlers.

The United States also would have 60 days "to seek Israeli release" of more than US$180 million ($287.76 million) in arrears to the Palestinians.

Under the "action plan," the Palestinian Authority would receive budget support from a World Bank trust fund "upon accomplishment of key reform benchmarks."

The Quartet also envisions convening a donors' meeting at the end of September "to generate needed assistance commitments and co-ordinate project priorities."

The Quartet wants to set up a "single address," or clearinghouse, within the Palestinian Authority to handle Gaza reconstruction and development issues.

The document also calls on the Palestinian leadership to take "immediate action" in Gaza and the West Bank to reassert a Palestinian police presence, provide law and order and prevent "terrorist" attacks.

An oversight committee led by the United States will assist "in restructuring and retraining of Palestinian security services" with help from Egypt.

Arafat has told Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that he accepted his demand for Palestinian security reforms as a condition for Egypt to help stabilize Gaza if Israelis withdraw, officials said earlier on Monday.

Some Palestinian officials and the international community accuse Arafat of obstructing peace efforts by refusing to carry out security reforms or to consolidate more than a dozen competing security agencies.

Israel and the United States refuse to negotiate with Arafat, saying he has done nothing to crack down on militants.

- REUTERS