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Arafat Urges Arabs to Join Anti-terror Coalition: Reuters
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat called Thursday in Gaza for Arab states to declare their readiness to join an international coalition against terror proposed by the United States, Palestinian officials said.
Arafat, whom Israel has accused of being behind a bombing campaign in recent months, made his proposal during a telephone conversation with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa.
"The president has discussed with Mr. Moussa ways to work in order to build up a united Arab position that confirms that all Arab countries are ready to take part in an international coalition against terrorism," Palestinian lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi told Reuters. She gave no more details.
U.S. President George W. Bush called for the creation of the global coalition against terror after Tuesday's devastating suicide attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and said it should include Muslim states.
U.S. officials have cited evidence pointing to an Arab connection to the attacks in the United States.
Investigations are focusing on the organization of Osama bin Laden, the Saudi-born dissident living in Afghanistan who is blamed for bombing two U.S. embassies in East Africa and other anti-American attacks.
Arafat has condemned Tuesday's attacks and said he would be ready to help find those responsible if the Americans asked.
Israel has accused Arafat of allowing militants to wage a suicide bombing campaign since a Palestinian revolt began last September. Arafat has dismissed Israel's accusations.
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