U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Sunday that Israel should ease its siege on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to give him a better chance of exercising his authority in support of steps toward easing hostilities with Israel.
Powell suggested that Arafat's confinement to his Ramallah compound has inhibited his ability to deliver guidance and instructions to his subordinates. "I think the more access he is given, the opportunity he is given to show whether or not he can control forces or bring this security situation under control," Powell said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
"If he moves onto that new path and makes the very best effort he can to stay on the path and convince the Palestinian people that is the right path to lead to a Palestinian state, then there is much the United States can do for him and the peace process," Powell said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said Arafat could still stop violence despite his confinement. He has authority "more than ever before, because his voice today is more powerful," Peres said on NBC.
Powell also welcomed the movement of Israeli forces out of the West Bank town of Nablus, Jenin and sections of Ramallah. "I'm pleased that this withdrawal seems to be well under way," he said.
Powell added the United States would immediately send additional send humanitarian aid to the West Bank where the homes of hundreds of Palestinians were destroyed by Israeli forces in search of suspected militants. That assistance, he said, would include 800 family-sized tents, as well as water purification equipment and medical supplies.
"The United States is committed to finding a way forward that will allow these two peoples to live together, side by side in peace," he said. "We want to see this and we're going to make it come about." (Albawaba.com)
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