Saudi Min:Arafat Can't Negotiate With Gun At Head-CNN

Saudi Min:Arafat Can

HIGHLIGHTS:Even Sharon Himself Wouldn't Believe that 'He's a Man of Peace'.
There's a Real Dannger of 'Radicalization' in the Middle East.
(Read photo caption within)

Saudi Arabia 's foreign minister said Wednesday it is impossible for Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to negotiate with a gun at his head.

In an interview with the Cable News Network, Saud al-Faisal said there can be no negotiations until Israel withdraws from Palestinian areas and restores Arafat's freedom of movement. Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah meets in Texas Thursday with Bush.

CNN reported it had been told Abdullah will warn Bush there is a danger of " reradicalization" of the Middle East and there is a growing frustration among Palestinians who feel that not only is Bush pro-Israeli but he is also ineffectual. The Saudis fear, CNN said, that this sense of frustration could spread throughout the Middle East.

In the CNN interview al-Faisal was asked whether he considered Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon "a man of peace." He replied "I don't believe even Ariel Sharon believes that."

PHOTO CAPTION:

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal during an interview with an Arab newspaper reporter in Houston, Texas, April 24, 2002. The foreign minister is part of a delegation, including Crown Prince Abdullah, that are on a visit to the United States. REUTERS/Richard Carson

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