U.S. President George W. Bush assured Jordan's King Abdullah II Friday that America does not intend to sever ties with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, but told him the United States would not renew direct efforts to broker Mideast peace until Arafat takes concrete steps against "terrorism," sources familiar with the talks told The Washington Post.
During the meeting, Bush and Abdullah "shared their concerns about the increasing violence and terror in the region, and also about the worsening plight of Palestinian people," the White House aide said.
At a photo opportunity with the Jordanian monarch, Bush told reporters, "I thought we were making pretty good progress up until the time when we discovered, the world discovered, that there had been a significant shipment of arms over from Iran for what seemed like to us only one purpose, and that is for terrorist purposes."
"Mr. Arafat must do a better job," said Bush. "We believe he can do a better job, and he must do a better job."
The U.S. President said "all options are on the table" with regard to so-called "axis of evil" states Iran, Iraq and North Korea and making "the United States and our allies more secure."
"All the three countries I mentioned are now on notice that we intend to take their develpment of weapons of mass destruction very seriously," Bush said as he welcomed King Abdullah.
"But having said that, all options are on the table as to how to make the United States and our allies more secure." (albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
