Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei on Saturday warned Israel against any attempt to torpedo thePalestinian presidential election on Jan. 9.

Speaking to reporters after he placed a wreath on the grave of late leader Yasser Arafat, Qurei said Israel should stop its military operations against the Palestinians in the West Bank andthe Gaza Strip and it should not put obstacles before candidates. "The candidates are not able to reach Palestinian towns,villages and refugee camps due to Israeli security measures and its military operations," said Qurei.

The Israelis are talking about facilitating measures to help the Palestinian election that would be held soon, "while they are continuing aggression against our people instead of creating a suitable atmosphere," he said.

Qurei visited Arafat's grave to mark the 40th anniversary of theestablishment of the Fatah movement, which began its military struggle against an Israeli occupation on Jan. 1, 1965.