Solana Faces Israeli Pressure over Arafat and Hamas

The EU has blacklisted the armed wing of Hamas but not the political wing. Solana said that despite a recent upsurge in violence, both sides should commit themselves to the "road map" peace plan.
"The road map is the only document, the only alternative we have on the table and I would like very much to make an appeal to everybody that has responsibility to keep on moving the road map in the right direction forward, to do the utmost," Solana said.

Arafat is currently locked in a power struggle with Mahmoud Abbas, the prime minister he appointed reluctantly earlier this year. On Thursday the Palestinian parliament will debate proposals that aim to define more clearly the responsibilities of the prime minister and president.