Arafat: Don't Count Me Out

By Dean Fischer, William Dowell and Yasser Arafat

Israel refuses to negotiate with him, and the U.S. pretends he does not exist, yet Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman Yasser Arafat makes his views known constantly to the diplomatic world via fax, cordless telephone and intermediaries. In a 90-minute interview with TIME correspondents Dean Fischer and William Dowell, Arafat expressed considerable bitterness toward the U.S., while stressing his own indispensability to Middle East peace. Excerpts:

Q. Are you happy with the assurances the U.S. has given the Palestinians?

A. Until now, it is not enough. The dialogue between the P.L.O. and the U.S. should be resumed. No double standards.

Q. How do you feel about a conference convened without you?

A. It will be difficult. The U.S. is asking the approval of the P.L.O., but the P.L.O. has to stay in the shadows. Give me one example in history where one party has dictated another party's delegation.

Q. Palestinian intermediaries are outside the P.L.O. and yet they carry your message.

A. Even Shamir knows they consult me day and night by phone. I dial direct.

Q. The U.S. is suggesting that Palestinian autonomy could be dealt with first and the question of Jerusalem later.

A. Why? During a transitional period I accept United Nations auspices. Or even an American presence. Or a joint American-Soviet presence. But I don't accept a transitional period of five years. Plus another year or two of negotiations? Unfair! Unfair! The American Administration has been blackmailed by the Israelis.

Q. Do you think the U.S. understands your requirements?

A. I am sorry to say that they are asking of us everything and they are offering us nothing. Baker is repeating the Israelis' claims and conditions. No to self-determination. Nothing concerning Jerusalem. No for any participation of the P.L.O.

Q. Yet you haven't lost hope in Bush?

A. I still have hope, but the U.S. has to prove its sincerity and credibility.