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Former Palestinian National Security Advisor, Muhammad Dahlan, was interviewed on the privately owned Egyptian channel Dream2 and talked about corruption in PA circles. Following are excerpts from his comments:
Moderator: Minister, you said that the "corruption lobby" in the PA is bigger than anything and you accused it of corrupting your relations with President Arafat. What did you mean?
Dahlan: I referred to some members of the Central Committee and some officials who cost the Palestinian people at least $50,000 a month, without serving it at all. Those were precisely whom I meant.
Moderator: They get a monthly salary of $50,000?
Dahlan: No, I said that is what they cost the Palestinian people.
Moderator: Who are they?
Dahlan: I cannot name names.
Moderator: Are they PA members?
Dahlan: Of course, they are PA members and they call us the "America gang." In other words, if you don't agree to their continued thieving ? you are suspect, and if you want to fix it ? you are accused, and if you call for democracy and elections ? you get sued. This is the regime that this group has tried to impose, through force and accusations, on President Arafat and on us, but I personally have objected?
Moderator: Minister, is it possible that what you described as the "corruption lobby" does not want reform and is inciting President Arafat to oppose the reforms?
Dahlan: That is absolutely correct, and I would further say ? these people do not want the Israeli occupation to end.
Moderator: Really?
Dahlan: Absolutely. Moreover, I believe some leaders don't want President Arafat to be released from the Muqata'a because they treat him as a money storeroom. They take some monopolies from him and he maintains them.