{short description of image}
help-for-you News . PRT12-2Article.html 2
(R2)   Note the UTC time and source of information.
. -News for Fri. 12 April to Mon. 15 April 2002


Powell, Arafat to Meet Sunday


VOA News
13 Apr 2002 20:52 UTC
Email this article to a friend.Printer Friendly Version

Graphic Image
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell will meet with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Sunday, one day later than originally planned.

 U.S. officials made the announcement hours after the Palestinian leader issued a statement in Arabic condemning Friday's suicide bombing in Jerusalem and terrorist attacks against civilians on both sides of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. The statement was read over Palestinian television and radio.
 
 

<b>Richard Boucher</b>
Richard Boucher
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters the statement contained what he called a number of "interesting and positive" elements. He says Mr. Powell will work with the Palestinian leader to translate the statement into action and bring an end to Mideast terror and violence.

 Israel has rejected the Palestinian leader's denunciation of terrorism as worthless. An aide to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Danny Ayalon, told reporters in Jerusalem Mr. Arafat was the "top terrorist official" who condemns violence on one hand and incites it on the other.
 
 

<b>Colin Powell</b>
Colin Powell
Meanwhile, Secretary Powell met with international relief officials Saturday. He later issued a statement expressing deep concern about conditions in the Jenin refugee camp and other Palestinian areas that Israeli forces have invaded over the past two weeks.

 U.S. officials deny any direct connection between the Powell statement and the one from Mr. Arafat. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP. 

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version