Sharon Denies Allowing Arafat to Move Freely

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, April 25, 2003

Sharon Denies Allowing Arafat to Move Freely

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Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Office on Thursday denied reports that Sharon has agreed to allow Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to move freely in exchange for his approval of a new Palestinian cabinet.

"The State of Israel has in no way made any commitment, whatsoever, regarding Yasser Arafat's freedom of movement, his conditions of office, or his political future," the office said in a statement.

Earlier reports hint that Sharon has agreed to let Arafat travel freely out of the Mukata compound in the West Bank city of Ramallahin exchange for Arafat's consent on calling off objections to the new cabinet's makeup.

Reacting to an agreement on the Palestinian cabinet, Sharon said Wednesday night that his government will do everything in its power to reach a diplomatic settlement with the Palestinians that will lead to a peace deal.

"Israel and its citizens want peace. The government I head will bring about a diplomatic arrangement that will lead to peace, but it is important that the person who stands on the other side fights terror and also wants peace," Sharon said, quoted by Israel Radio.

Palestinian Prime Minister-designate Mahmoud Abbas, better known as Abu Mazen, announced on Wednesday that he would declare the names of his new cabinet staff in the coming two days.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Arafat, he said he and Arafat sorted out all differences on the government's list.

Arafat has been confined to his office in Ramallah since December 2001.

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