Abbas warns tiny spark could unleash large-scale violent clashes in Mideast

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2005

BEIJING (AFP) — Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas warned in published comments that relations between the Palestinians and Israelis remain so sensitive that the smallest provocation could trigger large violent clashes.

"Currently, the situation is rather sensitive. Temporary quietness is very fragile, and a very tiny spark of fire could trigger large violent clashes," he said in an interview with Xinhua news agency.

"There are indeed many problems existing between Palestine and Israel, nevertheless, they are not unsolvable," he said.

In February, Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon declared a ceasefire deal to halt the violence at a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh.

But there has been a recent upsurge in attacks, prompting the United Nations to...