Arafat’s Deputy says he may agree to meet Israeli Premier

Published February 19th, 2003 - 03:00 GMT

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's deputy, Mahmud Abbas, has hinted he may agree to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon if the Palestinian leader approves it, according to a report Tuesday.

Abbas said he "did not oppose" a meeting with Sharon "if it is necessary and if its follows a precise agenda" agreed by Arafat's Palestinian Authority, Al-Hayat reported.

He again denied Israeli media reports that he had already met Sharon ahead of the Israeli Prime Minister’s re-election last month. The reports were an "attempt to sow intrigue" by suggesting he had gone ahead with a meeting without Arafat's knowledge, Abbas said. (Albawaba.com)