Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi President, has offered the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat a safe haven in Baghdad in the event of Israel forcing him into exile.
The offer was forwarded to Arafat through Arab diplomatic channels during the recent Israeli siege of Arafat's compound in Ramallah, the British Sunday Telegraph reports.
According to the London-based newspaper, the Iraqi decision was taken at a recent meeting in Baghdad of the ruling Revolutionary Command Council, of which Saddam is chairman.
At the same meeting, Saddam also decided to raise the compensation paid by Iraq to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers from US$10,000 to US$25,000.
Saddam's offer to grant Arafat political asylum was presented by Naji Sabri, the Iraqi foreign minister, during a meeting with Palestinian officials in Baghdad. The Iraqi leader has been attempting to establish an alliance with the Palestinian Authority for several months.
"It makes sense for Saddam to want to offer Arafat a safe haven in Baghdad," a British Foreign Office official told the newspaper. "Even though the threat of exile has been lifted on Arafat for the moment, Sharon is still under heavy pressure from some Israeli cabinet members to exile him." (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
