RAMALLAH, Dec. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said Wednesday that there won't be any elections unless the Palestinians in Jerusalem participate, alike the 1996 elections arrangements.

    "These arrangements had taken place in 1995 upon which the 1996 elections were conducted," Erekat told Palestinian radio "Voice of Palestine".

    He said the participation of east Jerusalem residents in those elections must be in accordance with the administrative and international arrangements.

    The Palestinians had made several contacts with the US and European sides as well as others, said the chief negotiator, adding "We have now assurances that the elections will be held on Jan. 9, 2005.

    "And the Palestinian people in Jerusalem will participate according to the same arrangements and principles in the five poling stations in east Jerusalem," said Erekat.

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