US may reconsider stance on Arafat

A Palestinian official said the United States will reconsider its stance on Palestinian President Yasser Arafat after it failed to sideline him.

"There are strong messages from the Europeans that assert the American Administration is now convinced Arafat is an important figure in the Middle East and you can't talk to the Palestinian people except through him," the official told Gulf News.

Sources close to Arafat said he received many phone calls yesterday from international officials who assured him Israel will not take any step against him.

The sources said US officials asked Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to avoid hurting Arafat. "Israel must defend itself without sparking more conflict," American officials said.

Nabil Abu Rodaina, an advisor to Arafat, said Arafat might announce a new initiative within 72 hours to boost the incoming government headed by Ahmed Qorei.