The coalition negotiations opened today in Kfar Hamacabiah without the Labor Party, which reject the Likud’s invitation to send representatives to begin negotiations. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Labor Party chairman Amram Mitzna are reportedly scheduled to meet privately soon.
The Labor Party said there was no point in sending representatives, since there was obviously no basis for negotiations.
At the start of negotiations, Likud negotiating team chairman Uri Shani said, “We’re disappointed that the Labor Party didn’t come, but not surprised.”
Shani and his team waited in vain on the sixth floor of the Kfar Hamacabiah hotel in Ramat Gan for the Labor Party delegation. As expected, however, the delegation did not arrive, as had been predicted last week. The only news for the reporters was Adv. Yaakov Neeman, who joined the negotiating team at the last minute.
In response to press questions, Shani said, “We hope that eventually, the good of the country, which I’m sure is what motivates all the parties, will overcome political considerations. We hope to see the Labor Party at least in the negotiations.”
Regarding the Labor Party’s absence, Shani commented, “The Labor Party may fear we’ll make them an offer they can’t refuse.
The Likud negotiating team will conclude its opening negotiating round in the coming days. At the same time, confidential meetings will probably take place to move the negotiations forward.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on February 10, 2003