Palestinian government apologizes over statements of Suha Arafat criticizing Israel

The Palestinian government has apologized for statements made by Palestine's First Lady Suha Arafat in Gaza at the beginning of this month in her assertions that Israel pollutes the potable waters of the Palestinians.

The Israeli radio said that the Palestinian government released a statement in which it apologizes for Arafat's statements in the course of an interview made in the presence of wife of the US President Hilary Clinton in which Ms. Arafat accused Israel of polluting the waters in Gaza through throwing gazes and toxic waste in the area.

A Palestinian official in Ramullah said that Ms. Arafat has expressed in her statements her own special and personal views. The Palestinian government reiterated in its statement its commitment to settle its disputes with Israel through dialogue and negotiations.