In his first interview with an Israeli newspaper, Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, told Haaretz that security services in the West Bank have been completely destroyed and that 70 percent of the security services were demolished in the Gaza Strip.
Sharon had been insisting that these security services round up suspected militants.
Abbas also said he didn't want to judge Sharon by what he says or by what is said about the Israeli prime minister.
"I know him inside and out," Abu Mazen told the newspaper. "I'll believe him only when he implements the 'road map.' The implementation is the only test as far as I'm concerned."
He added that it is important for Palestinians to see change on the ground, like a cessation of assassinations and demolitions, prisoners being freed, and Palestinians having the freedom to go to work -- or just move around.
"These things are critical so the street supports the process," Abu Mazen said. "That will accelerate the process and prevent more suffering."
He also told Haaretz that the second intifada had done damage to the Palestinian cause.
"There was no conspiracy or planning -- on our side," he said. "The circumstances that led to it were mostly the failure of the negotiations at Camp David and the Israeli media's portrayal of the talks as a complete failure."
Abu Mazen also called for an end to the isolation of Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat.
"I reject both morally and politically, all the pressure on countries and personages not to meet him," the Palestinian prime minister said. "It is difficult for me to explain to our citizenry that we have a new government, conducting open negotiations with Israel and our president is isolated in the (West Bank.)"
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
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