Arafat aide, Bassam Abu Sharif, denies claims made in British intelligence reports

Date: 30 / 09 / 2007 Time: 14:34

Abu Sharif (MaanImages)

Bethlehem – Ma'an –

A late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat advisor, Bassam Abu Sharif, on Sunday countered the British intelligence reports which alleged that several Palestinian dignitaries had advised Arafat to avoid declaring an independent Palestinian state in the 1970s.

Abu Sharif said, "The truth is that the Palestinian dignitaries inquired about the declaration of a Palestinian state, wishing to play a role in its declaration."

He also said that then-Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was extremely enthusiastic about the suggestion and had said, "It is your opportunity because wars lead to desired ends. I waged war and this is your opportunity, so join me."

President Arafat, Abu Sharif said, was equally enthusiastic, but some Arab officials advised him to coordinate with Jordan, as Jordan was in charge of the West Bank, according to international law, and Egypt was in charge of the Gaza Strip.

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