Congressmen meet with Arafat amid West Bank, Gaza clashes

JERUSALEM -- A U.S. congressional delegation met with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and the newly appointed Palestinian prime minister on Thursday, smoothing the way for a U.S.-backed peace plan that envisions a Palestinian state.

It was the first high-level meeting between U.S. officials and the embattled Arafat since President Bush effectively boycotted him in June, conditioning Palestinian statehood on Arafat's departure. The talks, however, were not sanctioned by the State Department.

The three congressmen said Arafat assured them he would give designated Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, real power to lead Palestinians -- a key demand for the peace plan to move forward.

"Arafat agreed," said Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va. "He has to give Abu Mazen the freedom and authority to lead the Palestinians."

The talks came as clashes erupted between Israeli troops and Palestinians on the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Soldiers shot and killed a 16-year-old in the West Bank and shot a 17-year-old in the chest in Rafah on the Gaza Strip. Witnesses said the boys were throwing stones at troops.

Thirty months of violence

In 30 months of violence between the Israelis and Palestinians, about 2,269 Palestinians have been killed. On the Israeli side, there have been 758 deaths.

Part of the U.S.-backed "road map" calls for the cessation of violence. It also calls for the eventual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the West Bank and Gaza. Under the plan, a provisional Palestinian state could be formed as soon as this year.

"There is a road map that has been worked out ... and we should now pursue peace," said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., was also part of the delegation.