Arafat: Israel Must Wthdraw First

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, April 15, 2002

Arafat: Israel Must Wthdraw First

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat rebuffed US Secretary of State Colin Powell's demand Sunday for a halt to violence, saying Israel first must withdraw its troops from the West Bank.

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Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat rebuffed US Secretary of State Colin Powell's demand Sunday for a halt to violence, saying Israel first must withdraw its troops from the West Bank.

Powell, shuttling back to Israel for a meeting in Tel Aviv, then pressed Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for a complete pullback, a U.S. official said.

Sharon renewed his proposal for an international peace conference among Israel and Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Syria and Lebanon and the Palestinians, but not Yasser Arafat.

Sharon said the United States would lead the conference, and "I imagine that within a short time a conference of this sort will convene to debate the diplomatic arrangements in the Middle East."

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the proposal was an attempt to "turn the clock backward."

A senior U.S. official said the idea was discussed "as part of a way to move forward politically," but more talks were needed.

Arafat, 72, appeared in good health as he met with Powell in his rocket-scarred headquarters that is surrounded by Israeli tanks and troops. Arafat has been under pressure that is "unreal for an old man like him," said Zeid Abu Shawish, a Palestinian doctor in the compound.

Powell was driven to the besieged compound in a motmorcade of armored-plated SUVs, shielded by U.S. security personnel with submachine guns.

The headquarters showed the effects of Israeli bombardment. A gaping hole marred the facade and the walls were blackened with bullet marks.

A senior aide, Saeb Erekat, said Arafat stood by his commitments, including an end to violence. But, Erekat said after the three-hour meeting, that meant "once the Israelis complete the withdrawal we will, as Palestinians, then carry out our obligations."

Arafat complained bitterly and extensively to Powell about Israel's military thrust into Palestinian-held towns and villages, and especially its actions in Jenin and a refugee camp in the town.

President Bush has demanded a pullback right away, but Sharon refused to provide a timetable when he saw Powell on Friday in Jerusalem. They met again briefly Sunday night in Tel Aviv.

Powell, in a short statement to reporters, called his meeting with Arafat useful and constructive.

A senior U.S. official said Powell's "clear message" to Arafat in a 45-minute presentation was "the bombings have to stop, that it was a major barrier" to progress toward a security agreement or on negotiations that Powell has said should lead to establishment of a Palestinian state.

Powell and Arafat directed top aides to meet Monday on "a variety of ideas." He provided no details.

Arafat saw Powell to the door, and they shook hands, but Arafat did not emerge. "Arafat did not come out for security reasons," Erekat said.

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