GAZA: ISRAELI VICE PRESIDENT DAVID LEVY MEETS WITH YASSER ARAFAT

(23 Jul 1996) Hebrew/Eng/Nat Israel and the Palestinian Authority have held their first high level meeting since the election of Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition government. But the Israeli Prime Minister did not attend the discussions with President Yasser Arafat - instead he sent his Foreign Minister David Levy. To coincide with the meeting the Israeli government eased its closure of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip - which has strangled the Palestinian economy since February. The meeting at the checkpoint between Israel and the Gaza Strip was a turning point for the ruling Likud Party. For years it has branded Arafat a murderer and criticised the Labour Party for negotiating with him. And Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly said he will not meet Yasser Arafat unless it is vital for Israel's security. Nevertheless Foreign Minister David Levy's trip to Gaza signalled that Israel may restart peace talks soon. Both men were optimistic about the outlook for negotiations. SOUNDBITE: (English) "The meeting was very fruitful and constructive and positive. And - as I have mentioned - with open hearts. And I have to thank his excellency for this spirit which was covering this meeting and we hope that we will continue in the same attitude." SUPER-CAPTION: Yasser Arafat, President of the Palestinian Authority SOUNDBITE: (Hebrew) "There was an understanding, and I encountered a very strong will to cooperate and create guidelines for the negotiations, and advancement towards the peace that we want. I have no doubt that what we established today will give a push to the process that is meant to bring peace." SUPER-CAPTION: David Levy, Israeli Foreign Minister Back in Jerusalem - Prime Minister Netanyahu said any delay in the peace negotiations was the fault of the Palestinian Authority - or P-A. SOUNDBITE: (English) "The purpose of these negotiations would be to complete the interim agreements that have not been completed because of P-A violations. They have certain requests from us that are dependent on their fulfilling their commitments. I think this will help us put into place the formula that I spoke about in Washington and in Cairo, that is reciprocity. SUPER-CAPTION: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister The Palestinian Legislative Council met in the town of Ramallah - north of Jerusalem. Hanan Ashrawi - who has criticised the peace process for failing to deliver the promised benefits to the Palestinians SOUNDBITE: (English) "Very clearly we are not interested in just form without substance. And just maintaining the impression that the peace process is proceeding or talks are moving ahead. The real test is in the substance of the talks and the steps of implementation that are to follow." SUPER-CAPTION: Hanan Ashrawi, Palestinian Minister of Higher Education One of the most pressing practical issues facing the Palestinians is the Israeli blockade - or closure - of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Originally imposed over three years ago - it became much tighter in February, strangling the local economy. Down the road from the Legislative Council meeting Palestinians were waiting in line as Israeli soldiers checked their passes. To coincide with the meeting in Gaza the Israeli government relaxed the closure. Men over the age of thirty will now be allowed into Israel - or into Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem - along with ambulances and more commercial vehicles. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...