Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat does not intend to give up any of his prerogatives, Rouhi Fatouh, Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, announced Thursday.
"Arafat will not relinquish anything, because he is the head of the three branches, and we have a Basic Law that defines the authorities of the president," Fatouh said in response to Egypt's demand that Arafat cede control over PA security forces.
Fatouh, who is closely associated with Arafat, denied that the PA chairman was hindering any agreement until Israel lifts the travel ban imposed on him nearly three years ago.
"The siege has not affected him because he is an experienced leader, and today he is stronger than ever," Fatouh added. "Arafat can't accept any deal in return for lifting the ban. The lifting of the siege is a natural right because he is an elected president, and he has every right to move around freely."
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