Arafat urges Barak to commit to peace agreements

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat urged Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak to commit to the agreements ratified between the Palestinian government and Israel, topped by Wye River accord and the Oslo agreements, and carrying out the third stage of troop withdrawal from West Bank areas which was agreed upon.

In statements yesterday, Arafat urged Barak to stop settlement and the Judaization of Jerusalem as well as stopping Bethlehem's siege and freeing the Palestinian detainees and prisoners whose release was agreed upon.

He also asked Barak to adhere to the secure passage for Palestinians between their territories and the economic issues agreed upon, especially the sanctions and the closure imposed on the Palestinian controlled areas, which causes strong devastation to the Palestinian economy.

Meanwhile, sources have indicated that Barak's split with the Likud in forming his coalition, which (likud) insisted on tough position on the Golan and settlement building, are a sign that Barak is setting up a government that will address the major concerns that have so far been a hindrance to a comprehensive peace.