France Says Israeli Siege of Arafat 'Unacceptable'

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, September 24, 2002

France Says Israeli Siege of Arafat 'Unacceptable'

The Israeli siege of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah on the West Bank is "unacceptable," the French Foreign Ministry announced Monday.

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The Israeli siege of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah on the West Bank is "unacceptable," the French Foreign Ministry announced Monday.

"The destructive operations have ended, but an unacceptable siege remains on the headquarters of Mr Arafat. Those in the building are cut off from the outside and live in a precarious andhumiliating situation," said ministry spokesman Francois Rivasseau.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had rejected the demand of EU commissioner for Middle East affairs Miguel Angel Moratinos to meet Arafat, he added.

The French government made efforts over the weekend trying to stop Israel from demolishing the headquarters of Arafat and servedas a liaison between Arafat and the Egyptian, Israeli and US foreign ministries and European partners over the matter, said thespokesman.

France expected that the United Nations Security Council would give an "appropriate" declaration on the four-day siege, he said.

In the meantime, Israeli and Palestinian officials have starteddiscussions for an end to the siege, which lasted since Thursday.

Israel demands the handover of 19 wanted Palestinians, who are said to be staying inside Arafat's office, the only building left at Al Muqataa, Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah.

Israeli bulldozers and engineers have destroyed all other buildings inside the compound.

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