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PROMISES, PROMISES – ARAFAT VOWS ‘REFORM’ OF PALESTINIAN GOV’T

JERUSALEM – Yasser Arafat bowed to Palestinian and foreign pressure yesterday and promised to reform his government, “correct mistakes” and hold new elections.

But Arafat gave few details and asked a skeptical Palestinian Legislative Council for patience.

“It is the time for change and reform,” said Arafat, dressed in his military uniform and Arab headdress.

“I call for a review of all our administrative, ministerial and security forces,” Arafat told the legislators in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

But he drew only polite applause in a rambling, 40-minute speech.

“Allow me to propose to you the speedy preparation of elections,” the Palestinian president said.

Arafat set no date, but Parliament speaker Ahmed Korei said he expected municipal elections before the end of this year and legislative elections early next year.

But there was no talk of elections to replace Arafat as head of the Palestinian Authority or as chairman of his political force, the Palestine Liberation Organization.

On Tuesday, Palestinian legislators said plans were in the works to reduce Arafat’s powers – but not to make him a figurehead as Bush administration wants, according to Israeli sources.

U.S. officials welcomed Arafat’s speech cautiously.

“Yasser Arafat’s words are positive. What is important, and what the president will await to see, is whether there is any action,” White House spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters.

But Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he has no trust for a Palestinian Authority headed by Arafat.

Once there is real reform, he said in a TV interview, “a process will be begun. At the end will be created a Palestinian state.”

Meanwhile, a group of Congressmen vowed yesterday to press ahead on the Arafat Accountability Act, which would punish him with severe sanctions such as a visa denial and loss of U.S. assets if his behavior doesn’t change.

The bill, awaiting a vote in both the House and Senate, is co-sponsored by Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Queens) and would also downgrade the status of the PLO in the United States and impose tough travel restrictions on PLO officials in the country.

With Post Wire Services