Yasser Arafat to start tour to Russia, Japan after success in Europe

During the coming days, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is to begin a new tour including Japan and Russia to continue his diplomatic campaign aimed at informing world leaders of the dangers facing peace process due to Israel's refusal to implement the Wye Plantation agreement.

Arafat is due to start his tour by visiting Russia on April 6.

Palestinian presidential advisor Nabil Abu Radina expressed his hope that the US administration could compel the Israeli government to adhere to signed agreements.

Abu Radina also said Arafat's recent visits resulted in important outcomes, especially the great development of the European position in support of a Palestinian state.

He added that the Israeli government has frozen the peace process, saying that the Palestinian side opposes these measures and that Israel should withdraw from all territories in West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem, thus it is the only way to achieve peace and security for everyone.

He also said that peace requires the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.