Israel Reportedly Urged to Charge Palestinian Aide

Israeli police have reportedly recommended that the government prosecute Hanan Ashrawi, spokeswoman for Palestinian negotiators at the recent Mideast peace conference, for allegedly meeting with officials of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

If the charges are filed, it could be a serious blow to the delicate U.S.-sponsored peace process. However, a senior Israeli government source said Friday the government would take into consideration Ashrawi’s prominent role in that process. The government can decide either to pursue the recommendation or drop the case for lack of sufficient public interest.

In Washington, President Bush told a group of Arab-American leaders: “Please know that Hanan is in my mind, and I’m paying very close attention to what is happening over there,” according to George Salem, head of the Arab-American Institute and one of those present at the White House session.

Israel outlaws meetings with groups it considers terrorist organizations, including the PLO.

The recommendation to prosecute Ashrawi was reported by the national Itim news agency, radio and TV stations.

Ashrawi called the reported recommendation “petty and vindictive, nothing but harassment.”

She and another top Palestinian adviser, Faisal Husseini, have repeatedly said they are guided by the PLO in their negotiations, but they have denied meeting with senior PLO officials.