The Israeli Government remains divided on whether to allow Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem to vote in next year's Presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held on January ninth.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Communications Minister Ehud Olmert haven't ruled out Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem participating in the election.

But Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom says that Israel won't allow Palestinian residents to vote in the upcoming elections.

Shalom says the involvement of these residents in election will legitimize the Palestinian claim to the eastern parts of Jerusalem.

Based on the Oslo peace accords, Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem should be allowed to take part in elections.

Temporary President of the Palestinian National Authority, Rawhi Fattouh announced on Sunday that Palestine will hold presidential elections on January ninth.

Source: CRIENGLISH.com