Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat today called for a ceasefire with Israel during the upcoming Olympic games in Greece.
Arafat issued the call at a lighting ceremony for a symbolic Olympic torch at his headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah. Israel, which accuses Arafat of supporting attacks on its people, has confined the Palestinian leader to the compound for more than two years.
"On the occasion of lighting the Palestinian Olympic torch, I declare our respect and commitment for an Olympic truce, which I signed in my besieged office," Arafat said.
"We hope that the revival of the ancient and noble Greek tradition will help in creating a world that enjoys peace, justice and security for the coming generations," he said. "We stretch our hands toward our neighbours and say to them, 'Come to an agreement between us to make a just comprehensive and lasting peace.'"
The Olympics are scheduled to take place in Athens from August 13-29.
There was no immediate reaction from Israel, but in the past, it has not taken similar pronouncements by Arafat seriously.
Egyptian mediators have been trying to persuade Palestinian militants to halt attacks as Israel prepares to pull out of the Gaza Strip. Israel, which refuses to negotiate with Arafat, has asked Egypt to help guarantee security in Gaza following the pullout, which is scheduled to be completed by September 2005. (AP)
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Arafat calls for ceasefire with Israel during Olympics
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