A political clash in the Palestinian Authority (P.A.) formally came to a end on Tuesday as P.A. Chairman Yassir Arafat and Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmad Qurei’ agreed on allocating security authorities and investigating corruption in the leadership.
Clashes erupted some ten days earlier when a spate of abductions in the P.A. coincided with violent demonstrations protesting against the rampant corruption in the P.A. and the sluggishness in implementing reforms.
Qurei’ handed in his resignation shortly after the events began, protesting his inability to control the disorder. However, Arafat would not approve the resignation, technically making it invalid.
Qurei’ retracted his resignation on Tuesday after Arafat vowed to give the prime minister additional authority over security divisions, however the chairman will still retain control over some of the security forces.
Arafat also agreed to allow the Palestinian attorney general to investigate cases of corruption, according to Palestinian Minister of Negotiations ‘Saib ‘Ariqat.
The initial response of the U.S. to Arafat’s move was skeptical. Secretary of State Colin Powell cast doubt on Arafat’s intentions and said the U.S. wants to see action, rather than words. “We need actions, not propositions, not commitments,” Powell said during a visit to Hungary.