Syrian defense minister denies making obscene statements against Arafat

Syrian Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mustafa Tlass on Tuesday in a statement to SANA commented on reports by news agencies and some papers about his criticism of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Tlass said, "I had criticized the policy of concessions being pursued by the Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman since he had signed Oslo deal. But I did not pronounce any obscene or improper word against this person."