Palestinians are serious in observing their commitments of Israelis withdraw from West Bank

Amidst indications that US diplomacy could succeed in putting an end to the current dilemma in the Palestinian territories, Secretary of State Colin Powell wound up his meeting at noon yesterday with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at his besieged headquarters in Ram Allah with encouraging statements.

However he disclosed nothing about the details of the three-hour meeting.

In brief statements to reporters following the meeting, Powell described talks as having been fruitful, and constructive, adding they tackled various ideas and ways of forging ahead.

Powell said the US delegation would have a new round of talks with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat today; he declined to speak about the progress that was made on ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians.

He said a meeting would be held between the US delegation accompanying him and the Palestinians later on Sunday.

However, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, who accompanied the secretary of state to outside the headquarters, told reporters that Arafat pledged unspecifically to work for limiting violence, indicating that fulfillment of such a pledge by the Palestinian side- would not be made before the implementation by Israel full withdrawal from the West Bank.

Erekat said he was confident that Powell was briefed on the conditions Arafat is living though and realized who controls the situation here.

I believe if Israelis maintained their withdrawal, we shall observe our commitements. Palestinians sources said the meeting included an expanded agenda.

Nabil Abu Redina, the advisor to the Palestinian leader said if Powell secured withdrawal of the Israeli troops, this would open the door before making headway.