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Straw rebuffs Israeli call to isolate Arafat
Britain has rebuffed a call from Israelâs prime minister to break off contacts with Yasser Arafat. During talks in London with Ariel Sharon, the Foreign Secretary said the Government would continue dealing with Mr Arafat "as we see fit".Tony throws a bone to Labour rebels(?) Israelâs leader is to meet Tony Blair for talks in a visit intended to repair relations following the strains of recent months. The 45 minute meeting with Jack Straw focused mainly on the Middle East peace process and the implementation of the "road map". Mr Sharon was said to have raised the issue of contacts with Palestineâs President. A spokesman said: "The Foreign Secretary made clear our position, as with the rest of the EU, is that Arafat is the democratically elected Mr Sharon wants European leaders finally to cut their ties with Mr Arafat, who he accuses of interfering in the work of the moderate Palestinian prime minister Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen. Although Mr Arafat has been partly sidelined since Mr Abbas became premier in April, he retains considerable powers. Posted by: Bulldog 2003-07-15 |
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