Vital Perspective

Two Fatah Gunmen Killed by Hamas After Ceasefire Goes into Effect in Gaza

MediaLine reports that a ceasefire between Fatah and Hamas went into effect Tuesday night at 23:00. Since that time, armed gunmen from both sides have been withdrawing from the streets of Gaza City. An operations room manned by security personnel from each group was set up to respond to outbreaks of violence.

According to the agreement, only police are allowed to be armed in the streets. Despite this, two Fatah gunmen were shot and killed in a street skirmish with Hamas operatives early this morning. Six people died yesterday before the truce went into effect, bringing the week's death toll to 16.

Palestinian PM Ismail Haniyeh made a television address imploring his constituents to end the internecine warfare and unite against Israel instead. He also used the opportunity to reject the call by President Mahmoud Abbas for early elections, calling it "unconstitutional" and accusing the U.S. of working behind the scenes to bring down his government.

French Presidential Candidate Chooses Israel, Lebanon for First Overseas Trip

France's Segolene Royal, Socialist candidate for next year's presidential election, will take her first overseas trip since winning her party's nomination with a trip to Israel. She is due to arrive in Israel for a two-day visit on Sunday. Reportedly, she will hold talks with Israeli PM Ehud Olmert and FM Tzipi Livni.

The two largest Israeli newspapers, Maariv and Yediot Aharonot, also speculated that Royal was likely to hold talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. Before arriving in Israel she will stop in Lebanon for talks with Lebanese leaders, both newspapers said.

New Peace Plan Rejected by UK, Israel; Road Map to Remain Accepted Plan

Via MediaLine: As the international community seeks ways to end the six-year impasse in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Jerusalem and London have turned down the latest European offering. The Spanish, French and Italians are proposing a new idea, which has angered diplomats in London. They told The Guardian there is already a peace plan backed by Europe, along with the U.S., Russia and the UN, known as the Road Map. Israel also dismissed the new proposal, which includes calls for an immediate cease-fire, an exchange of prisoners, a Palestinian unity government and an international peace conference. The Palestinian government said Israel's rejection of the plan shows Jerusalem is not serious about rebooting the peace process.

Iran Asks IAEA for Help on Heavy-Water Reactor; Talks on Sanctions Continue

Iran has asked the IAEA for technical aid in constructing and applying a heavy-water nuclear research reactor, the Austria News Agency (APA) reported on Monday, quoting diplomats in Vienna. The heavy-water reactor would be built at Arak, about 200 km south of Tehran. The reactor could provide 12 kg of plutonium annually after its completion in 2009. The diplomats said Iran's application would be first discussed by the IAEA's technical assistance committee next week.

According to the Charter of the IAEA, Iran's application would need to be finally ratified by the IAEA's governing board in Vienna. The diplomats said the IAEA would not be likely to provide Iran with technical support in constructing the reactor at present. However, it could be in a position to offer some assistance to help ensure the project goes ahead safely.

Meanwhile, back in reality, the P-5 + 1 is about to take up another exploratory meeting on proposed sanctions against Tehran. They'll be meeting on Wednesday. The draft they'll be discussing urges nuclear and ballistic missile-related sanctions against Iran. It also includes travel bans and financial restrictions on Iranian scientists working on the nuclear and missile programs. Russia and China view the draft as as too tough and counter-productive.

Proliferation Security Initiative Exercise Has 25 Nations Miles Off Iranian Coast

Earlier today, 25 nations took part in a U.S.-led naval exercise in waters not far from Iran aimed at training forces to block the transport of weapons of mass destruction and related equipment. Italy, the U.S., Australia, Britain, France and Bahrain deployed ships and personnel to the drill, part of President Bush's Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). Other countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan and South Korea, sent observers.

About 20 miles from Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf, Italian and Bahraini marines sped through the water in small inflatable bloats and boarded a British vessel, the RFA Brambleleaf, which was carrying mock nuclear detonators. Marines armed with machine guns guarded the crew as another team searched the vessel.

Iran said it was not concerned about the exercise but warned those participating not to destabilize the region. "Given the amicable ties among countries of the region and the powerful presence of ... Iran as standard bearer of peace, justice and security, there is no room for any concern," the official IRNA news agency quoted government spokesman Gholamhossein Elham as saying.

Several Middle Eastern countries have endorsed PSI principles this year after visits by U.S. officials to the region were stepped up, a State Department official who declined to be identified said. Sunni Gulf Arab states have traditionally been wary of Iran's Shiite imperialistic intentions in the region.

One major player that was not present was Russia, perhaps because of President Vladimir Putin's desire for further talks on Iran's nuclear program. Russia is not convinced there is a case for tougher sanctions against Iran and is at present time building an atomic reactor in Iran. If you're not convinced that Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons, then you probably wouldn't see the utility today's PSI exercise.

Philippines: 200 Kilos of French Ammonium Nitrate for Terror Groups Seized

Philippine authorities detained three men linked to the smuggling Tuesday of 200 kilos of high-grade French ammonium nitrate, used by local terrorists in the manufacture of homemade bombs. Police, backed by soldiers, intercepted the shipment from a Filipino ferry, that came from Jolo Island, where troops are battling members of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group.

"We have intelligence report about this shipment and security forces had been alerted about the arrival of the ship. We are still investigating whether this cargo is owned by the Abu Sayyaf or Jemaah Islamiya. We also have intelligence reports that a shipment of ammunition is also on its way to Zamboanga from Jolo," said Maj. Frank Clavecillas, the port police commander.

The ammonium nitrate, marked "Made in France," were in eight bags hidden under fish crates. It is the first time authorities have seized ammonium nitrate that was manufactured in France and smuggled into Jolo. Most of the previous shipments that have been intercepted were manufactured in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Ayatollah: Iranian Nuclear Program to Continue; Sanctions Meeting Scheduled

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said today that Tehran will continue its pursuit of nuclear technology and hinted it would not suspend uranium enrichment. "Our policy is clear, progress with clear logic and insisting on the nation's right without any retreat," state television quoted him as saying.

Iran dismissed media reports last week that it might be ready to freeze atomic fuel manufacturing work for 90 days to allow direct negotiations with the U.S. and other major powers. Iran had earlier suspended enrichment under a deal agreed with the EU but that deal broke down last year.

"Iran has always taken advantage of any possibility to negotiate and co-operate in the field of nuclear energy and it will continue this policy," said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on state-run television. Referring to the incentive package, he said "Iran's proposal is an appropriate framework for co-operation in the nuclear issue and the Iranian nation will continue the path of dignity with perseverance and prudence without any fear."

Western diplomats say Iran has been pushing for more talks as a stalling tactic, in order to avoid taking action. In a follow-up to last week's meeting in London, major powers are to discuss a menu of sanctions on Wednesday that could be imposed against Iran for its refusal to abandon uranium enrichment. Ambassadors at the UN are expected to take up the issue after the meeting.

U.S. Says Diplomats Agree to Imposition of 'Soft, Gradual' Sanctions on Iran

World powers have agreed to discuss possible sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program but said they are still open to negotiations. Following talks in London Friday, top diplomats from the P-5 + 1 said they were "deeply disappointed" by Tehran's refusal to stop enriching uranium.

British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said diplomats will now begin consulting on a UN measure that authorizes the Security Council to impose non-military sanctions on Iran. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns says the only question now is what form the sanctions will take.

The Security Council will begin informal discussions on a new resolution addressing the Iranian nuclear issue next week, and according to sources speaking with Ha'aretz, the resolution will most likely include the imposition of sanctions. A senior Western diplomat told Ha'aretz the sanctions will be "soft and gradual."

The New York Times reports that discussions would focus on a "menu of sanctions" formulated by the State Department at the beginning of the year. The list includes an embargo on transfer of equipment and replacement parts that can also be used for nuclear purposes, as well as restrictions on the movement of senior Iranian officials in several countries.

Rice Flight Delayed, Motives Questioned; No Progress Expected on Sanctions

The P-5 + 1 will convene in London later today to discuss future steps over Iran's nuclear program, but Secretary Rice's punctuality problems will inhibit any real progress from taking place. Rice will attend the meeting but will arrive an hour late due to mechanical problem with her military aircraft. The meeting will start without Rice and as a result, the foreign ministers are not expected to make a decision today on imposing sanctions against Tehran.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormick said the officials are likely to hold a conference call on Monday or Tuesday to discuss the issue further. Saying he could not predict what decision would ultimately be made, McCormack said: "At the earliest it wouldn't be until then."

Unfortunately the pace of diplomacy doesn't show any sign of quickening. Russian FM Sergei Lavrov has called for more diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear standoff, and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said negotiations with Iran would still be possible, even when the Security Council discusses possible sanctions. Earlier, Solana said "endless hours" of talks with Iranian officials have made little progress. Interestingly, some have suggested that the mechanical failures of Rice's aircraft are a farce, and that because of Russian objections to sanctions, the U.S. wanted to avoid a potentially embarrassing result from the London meeting.

After Pakistan Picks Up F-16s, India Buys Qatari Jets, Israeli Missile System

India is on a military spending spree this week and their finding willing partners in the Middle East. The new spending may have been prompted by the announcement earlier this week that the U.S. will be selling new F-16s to Pakistan.

According to MediaLine, India has confirmed it is buying some 40 second-hand jets from Qatar and France, and has shown interest in picking up a further 80 aircraft from a variety of countries, including the U.S., Russia and Sweden. India is also close to signing a deal with Israel for the purchase of a missile system, which will help New Delhi defend its fixed bases, including its nuclear installations.

The purchase will be for 18 SPYDER systems, pending the approval of the Indian security cabinet in the next few days. The missile is a quick-reaction surface-to-air projectile. While India intends using the system to defend army bases and other strategic points, the missile can be fired from the back of a truck, offering considerable mobility. The missile has a range of some nine miles and can reach a height of five miles.