Barak says Arafat prefers violence to peace

WASHINGTON - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak yesterday accused Palestinian President Yasser Arafat of preferring violence to peace, and said he probably no longer had him as a negotiating partner.

"What the hell kind of purpose could he have in having this kind of violence? It's ridiculous," Barak said in an interview with Time magazine on the eve of President Bill Clinton's departure for an emergency summit in Egypt.

He said Arafat chose violence. "So I already know quite probably we don't have a partner for peace, unfortunately."

Israel accuses the Palestinians of sending rioters on to the streets to make themselves into victims and get the world's sympathy in their fight for statehood.

The Palestinians deny this, and accuse the Israelis of using excessive force to respond to the rioters, most of whom fought with stones and other missiles but some of whom used guns.

Barak said he believed Israeli-Palestinian peace would eventually come, but suggested this might not happen under Arafat.

"It seems no," said Barak. "He is not ripe to seize this opportunity. He prefers violence."

But Barak said Israel would never lose hope of making peace with its Palestinian neighbours.

"There is no other alternative. They are here forever, as we are."

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat has accused Israel of waging war against his people after its helicopters attacked Palestinian targets to avenge the mob lynching of two Israeli soldiers.

Barak said his side would apply the same determination they used to seek peace to the "struggle."

"If Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority will try to impose their will upon us through the use of violence, we are a tough and small people that wants peace but is ready to fight if necessary."

Barak also criticised the United States, his staunchest ally, for calling on Israel to stop attacking targets with rockets.

"We do not agree with this kind of condemnation, not by the UN Security Council and not by the United States."

- REUTERS

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