Israel’s new Labour chief seeks elections as early as March

After an upset win that sent shockwaves across Israel’s political landscape, Peretz vowed to withdraw centre-left Labour from Sharon’s government. He was due to meet on Friday with Labour’s parliamentary faction to tell them of his plans.

“We’re talking about March or May,” Spigelman said, saying April had been ruled out because of the Jewish holiday of Passover. “We want to come to an agreement with the prime minister on a date for the election.”

There was no immediate word from Sharon’s office on whether he would accept such a timetable. But sources close to Sharon said he saw little chance of serving out his full term when he is also facing a rebellion from some members of his own rightist Likud party.

Palestinians mark year since Arafat died

RAMALLAH: Thousands of Palestinians gathered near Yasser Arafat’s grave in his old West Bank compound on Friday for a subdued commemoration of their iconic leader’s death a year ago. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, led a rally attended by officials from major factions in honour of Arafat, who died aged 75 having failed to realise his dream of a Palestinian state. “I renew the pledge to continue on the path that he started and exert whatever efforts are needed to raise the flag of Palestine on the walls, the minarets and the churches of Jerusalem,” Abbas said in a speech at the rally. REUTERS