Communicated by the
Prime Minister's Media Adviser
Jerusalem, 18 September 2000 PM Barak: No transfer of sovereignty over Temple Mount
to palestinians or any other Islamic body
Prime Minister Ehud Barak said at the beginning of the Cabinet meeting today (Monday), 18.9.2000, that Israel opposes not only the transfer of sovereignty over the Temple Mount to the Palestinians but completely rules out the possibility of transferring sovereignty over the Mount to any Islamic body whatsoever as well. Prime Minister Barak said that the various reports which purport to describe our positions are unfounded speculation.Regarding the current state of the process, Prime Minister Barak said that despite the ongoing contacts, there is no development worthy of mention and added that there has been no movement in the Palestinian position. Therefore, it is still unclear whether there is, on the other side, a partner who is ready to make decisions and conclude an agreement.