PA security seeks to license weapons amid crackdown
Published yesterday (updated) 17/06/2012 01:12
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=495893

BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- The spokesman of the Palestinian Authority security
forces said Saturday that all weapons-holders in the West Bank are required
to re-license arms as part of the authorities' recent security crackdown.

Adnan Dmeiri said laws to regulate weapons posession had not efficiently
restricted usage, and all arms must be newly registered with the PA for a
one-year period.

Armed resistance actitivies must come in the framework of a national
decision, as groups launching their own actions will end up harming the
national cause, he said.

The spokesman, in remarks broadcast on Ma'an TV, assured that a mass arrest
campaign, first sparked by a shooting on the Jenin govenor's home in May
causing his fatal heart attack, did not target any one group.

The security crackdown, since extended from Jenin throughout the West Bank,
has seen civilans and security officers detained and interrogated over over
illegal arms deals and other crimes contributing to insecurity, Dmeiri said
earlier.

Families of some detainees criticize the PA for holding their kin without
charge or trial.

Dmeiri insisted that due process is being respected. Anyone aggrieved by the
campaign can complain to judicial authorities and visiting of detainees is
permited unless the public prosecutor has a legal reason to prevent access
to prisoners, he said.

The security spokesman hit back at comments by the Gaza Minister of Interior
Fathi Hammad that PA forces are cooperating with Israel.

Hammad himself was accused of involvement in the assasination of late Hamas
leader Yahya Ayyash in 1996, Dmeiri said, calling on the minister to
remember fending off allegations himself before casting blame elsewhere.

Dmeiri slammed the Hamas-led government in the Gaza Strip for holding a
police graduation ceremony on Wednesday, stressing that the authorities in
Gaza cannot appoint police officers under Palestinian law.

The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, led by Hamas rivals Fatah, split
from the Gaza government in 2007 amid bitter fighting between affiliates to
each party.