Israeli Foreign Minister: "fake" elections in Palestinian national authority

Israeli Foreign Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the Palestinian National Authority was holding "fake" elections. The elections do not envisage a precise counting of votes, consequently, they are "framed up", Mr. Netanyahu said, laying flowers at a ceremony before the Theater Center in Dubrovka. According to the minister, Yasser Arafat will not let strong rivals take part in the elections.

Mr. Netanyahu recalled US President George Bush's words that leaders involved in terrorism lost power and the chance of being negotiated with.

In response to RIA Novosti's question about his attitude to the UK Prime Minister's proposal to arrange a conference in London with the participation of Palestinian representatives Mr. Netanyahu backed the move. If Arafat wants a democratic and lawful Palestinian society, "we support it", he said.