Powell, Arafat Hold Phone Discussion

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, December 19, 2001

Powell, Arafat Hold Phone Discussion

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell on Tuesday telephoned Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and spoke highly of Arafat's latest speech for implementing the ceasefire and stopping attacks on Israel, Palestinian National Authority (PNA) official said.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a top aide to Arafat told the media that Powell expressed his satisfaction on the speech Arafat delivered on Sunday where he called for halting all armed and suicide bombing attacks on Israel.

During their phone talks, Arafat briefed Powell over the deterioration of the situation in the Palestinian territories due to the Israeli airstrikes against PNA targets and incursion into Palestinian towns and villages, according to Abu Rudeineh.

Arafat assured Powell of his commitments to the peace process, saying the PNA would implement their oaths and what had been mentioned in his speech, added the top aide.

Meanwhile, Arafat also urged Powell that the U.S. mediation activities of brokering a ceasefire between the Palestinians and Israelis should continue in a bid to save the Mideast peace process.

During their phone talks, both Arafat and Powell agreed to resume their contacts within the coming days to follow the developments of the situation in the region.