Tuesday, August 5, 2003
State Dept.: Reports of cuts in loan guarantees 'premature'
"We have urged them [the Israelis] to consider the route that the fence is taking. They have affirmed that they are considering the route of the fence and are taking our views under consideration," said the State Department official. "All talk of deduction of loan guarantees is premature."
The New York Times said earlier Tuesday that
American officials had confirmed that the U.S.
may calls for cuts in the loan guarantees...
Impression: So, it looks as though our impressions of this story being overblown were about right.
State: Hey, would you mind considering the course of the fence?
Sharon: Oh yeah, sure, we'll consider it, hey, anything for you!
State: Hey, thanks.
Sharon: NP
fin
I think more like.
Bush:
Arik you're going to have to curb the fence from encompassing Ariel and if the terror subsides and they dismantle the terror org's I'm gonna come out hard against it. Ideally we don't like the thing. However, if at worst it puts some fire under Abbas and the gang to realize its either no terror or the fence and no option of terror than in the short term that's not terrible.
In the meantime State may make a mild statement (which the papers will likely run with) regarding our "dislike" of the fence. (all part of the game player)
Yeah, I understand, I don't like it either and was against it until recently myself.
Meanwhile,it did 'mature' enough it seems. Perhaps they were pressured by Arafat or even the princes? Not so easy to be the State Dept. these days...