Bush Hails Deal to End Arafat's Siege As 'Hopeful Day'

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, April 29, 2002

Bush Hails Deal to End Arafat's Siege As 'Hopeful Day'

U.S. President George W. Bush hailed on Sunday a deal to end the siege of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's compound by the Israeli forces as "a hopeful day" for the Middle East.

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U.S. President George W. Bush hailed on Sunday a deal to end the siege of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's compound by the Israeli forces as "a hopeful day" for the Middle East.

"This has been a hopeful day for the region. Chairman Arafat is now free to move around and free to lead and we expect him to do so," Bush told reporters at his Texas ranch.

"Mr. Arafat must perform," Bush said. "Mr. Arafat must do his job. He hasn't earned my respect. He must earn my respect by leading. One of the things he must do is (to) condemn and thwart terrorist activities."

Bush also urged all parties to "step up to their responsibilities." He said these included increased efforts to bring humanitarian relief and economic aid for Palestinians.

Bush made a telephone call to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Saturday night to propose that U.S. or British forces acting as guards for the Palestinians whom Israel wants to stand trial for last year's killing of Israeli Tourism Minister Rechavam Zeevi.

The suspects have been holed up inside Arafat's compound for more than a month.

The Israeli Cabinet on Sunday approved the proposal with a vote of 17-8 and Arafat accepted the proposal later.

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