Arafat says to hit militants if Israel holds fire
( 2003-08-27 14:03) (Agencies)
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said on
Wednesday he was ready to take action against militant groups if Israel halted
missile strikes and other attacks on them.
"I am prepared to implement the law (against militants) on condition Israel
stops its attacks," Arafat said in an interview with Reuters, without
elaborating on steps he would take.
But he said he would not risk a Palestinian civil war, referring to fears
cited by reformist Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas in his hesitation to crack down
on militant groups before Israel halts raids and pulls back forces in occupied
territory.
|
