Arafat's tour to US focus on state declaration

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will head on March 22 to Washington for a two-day visit, during which he will meet with US President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and other officials.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told ArabicNews.com that Arafat will meet with Clinton "to discuss the issue of the Palestinian state's declaration" in a U.S. attempt to persuade Arafat to delay it from May 4.

Erekat added, "The main issues that will be discussed with the American administration are declaring the Palestinian state, the solidification of the peace process, listening to all the international parties as well as listening to all opinions regarding the Palestinian state's declaration."

Erekat said, "We do not want the postponement. We still insist on declaring, and we are studying all proposals offered by friends who will provide us recognition of this declaration."