Talks to end Arafat siege
Israeli and Palestinian officials met today to try to end the five day siege of Yasser Arafat’s West Bank office.
Arafat’s isolation was eased when Israel allowed a Palestinian Cabinet minister to enter the besieged office in Ramallah to brief him on the negotiations.
Israel says it will not withdraw until dozens of Palestinian security officials holed up inside surrender.
It accused them of involvement in terror attacks.
Arafat has said he will not hand over any member of his entourage.
The meeting between Israeli military officials and Palestinian Cabinet minister Saeb Erekat came a day after Israel halted the demolition of Arafat’s headquarters, reportedly following intense US pressure.
The meeting took place at the Beit El military base north of Ramallah, Palestinian officials said.
Erekat later briefed Arafat, the first visitor allowed into the compound where only one building remains standing - a wing of Arafat’s office. Arafat is confined to four rooms in the building, along with about 200 aides and security officials.
