In a rare admission of wrongdoing, Yasser Arafat said on Wednesday that he has made 'mistakes' and promised to correct them. Mr Arafat was vague about the errors he believes he has made, but called for a 'comprehensive workshop of reforms'. The veteran Palestinian leader issued his plea for reform of the Palestinian Authority in an address to lawmakers at his battered headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah. He has been under growing pressure internationally and from critics at home to implement reforms in the authority, which is widely accused of corruption and ineffectiveness. He said: 'We have to be brave enough to admit mistakes. We fortify our commitment to correct those mistakes.' During the speech, Mr Arafat was vague about the errors he believes he has made, but called for a 'comprehensive workshop of reforms'.
'It's true there were wrongs and unacceptable practices by me and many others. Even the prophets commit mistakes,' he said. He called for the greater inclusion of women and young leaders in Palestinian politics. Despite growing criticism, he has refused to relinquish his powers, particularly his control over the myriad and rival Palestinian security services. |