Israeli armor moved into the center of the West Bank city of Jenin on Friday. Palestinian sources said that the Israeli army was carrying out searches in the city. They added that at least 20 tanks entered the city, while soldiers declared a curfew, confining citizens to their homes. The Israeli army described the action as a "routine patrol."
Meanwhile, Yasser Arafat said the United States "should play the role it has been assigned" in creating peace in the Middle East. The PA leader made these comments in a newspaper interview published in Hungary.
"As the chief sponsor of the peace process, the United States plays an important role in creating a just peace in the Middle East, on the basis of territory for peace and international law. We would like the United States to play the role it has been assigned," Arafat told Magyar Hirlap newspaper.
"You must not forget that Bush was the first American president who urged the creation of a Palestinian state," Arafat said.
Arafat said he was still confident the Middle East peace process could be revived.
"We do see hope for continuing talks. For us, peace is a strategic choice... We have no preconditions. We want a just peace, freedom for our people and to create our state on the side of Israel," the Palestinian leader said.
Arafat said the Palestinians "opted for reform" and would "soon publish" deatilas of a new government. The Palestinians would also reform their security bodies and "hold parliamentary elections within six months" under the same laws as in 1996, he said. (Albawaba.com)
