23 April 2004

by Anai Rhoads

AnaiRhoads.org - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told Israel's Channel 2 Friday, "I said during our first meeting (with U.S. President Bush) about three years ago that I accepted his request not to harm Palestinian President Yasser Arafat physically, but I am released from this commitment."

Arafat's advisors quickly spoke to the media,"We reject Sharon's statement and demand clarification from Mr. Bush on such a statement and hold Sharon responsible for such a dangerous statement," Nabil Abu Rdainahsaid said, emphasising, "This is an escalation and will lead to increased tensions."

Sharon discussed plans with Bush during Sharon's visit earlier this month. Bush agreed that Sharon should keep some settlements in the West Bank, but did not mention of Sharon's idea of ridding the Palestinian President.

The U.S. State Department does not approve of Sharon's plans. It is yet unclear how or when Sharon plans to attack Arafat, but the plan may spark more terror and tension between Palestine and Israel.

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