Security chiefs shun Abbas

[drdon326]

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas was forced on Monday to call off a ceremony in Gaza City to honor senior security commanders after most of them announced that they would boycott the event.

Abbas arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday night in an attempt to appease scores of veteran security officers who have been removed from their jobs or forced to retire as part of a major security shake-up.

Sources in Gaza City said Abbas was scheduled to honor 10 ex-generals with the Jerusalem Medal, the highest award in the PLO for valor in combat. However, the ceremony was called off at the last minute after it was understood that most of the officers were planning to stay away.

The latest changes in PA security have enraged many security officers, who have accused Abbas of abandoning them in a humiliating manner after decades of service.

"At least eight of the high-ranking officers announced that they refused to accept the award from Abu Mazen (Abbas)," said a PA security source. "Some of them have been serving for nearly 50 years and they see Abu Mazen's decision to force them into retirement as a direct result of pressure from the Israelis and Americans."

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1114395826134

....................................................................

Abu Mazan.......feared and respected.

[Colorado Blue]

1. Oh, swell. nt