Arafat takes wait and see attitude on Sharon

President of the Palestinian authority Yasser Arafat announced on Sunday he will give the Israeli prime minister elect Ariel Sharon the chance to show his position towards reaching an agreement with the Palestinians. In an interview with the press Arafat added he will be in contacts with Sharon in order to form an Israeli coalition government. Arafat added that he will give Sharon the chance to prove he is serious to continue the negotiations.

Arafat added that the Palestinian Authority will make assessment on Sharon's policies that he will adopt as a prime minister and who will join his government.