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DATE=09/28/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-267194

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (L)

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Israeli security forces have clashed with Palestinian demonstrators in Jerusalem's walled Old City. At least 25-police officers and three Palestinians have been injured, following a visit by Israel's opposition leader, Ariel Sharon. Ross Dunn has more on the story.

TEXT: /// AMBIENT SOUND OF ARAB DEMONSTRATORS SHOUTING ///

An angry reception greeted the leader of Israel's right-wing Likud Party, Ariel Sharon, when he arrived at the Temple Mount inside Jerusalem's walled Old City.

His visit enraged Palestinian demonstrators who threw stones at Israeli soldiers and police guarding Mr. Sharon. Israeli security forces responded by firing at the crowd with rubber-coated metal bullets.

Hundreds of soldiers and police in riot gear were deployed at the compound, which is holy to both Jews and Muslims, and is widely regarded as the most politically sensitive place in the Middle East.

The area is the site of the ancient Jewish Temples, but is also holy to Muslims, who centuries ago built the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosques there.

Palestinian officials accuse Mr. Sharon of being provocative by attempting to demonstrate Israelis have sovereignty over the shrine.

Arab members of the Israeli parliament, including Abdul-Malik Dehamshe, also showed up to vent their anger over the visit.

/// DEHAMSHE ACT ///

He is a murderer. He made a provocation here in Masjad (the Mosque of) Al-Aqsa. He wants to see more blood and to see more killing and to see more wounded. He wants bloodshed.

/// END ACT ///

But Mr. Sharon denies any attempt to provoke, saying his visit has shown the need for Arabs and Jews to live in a climate of peace and co-operation.

/// SHARON ACT ///

I went to the holiest place of the Jewish people. I brought a message of peace. That was what brought me here. I believe that Jews and Arabs can live together. There was no provocation whatsoever; it is our right, as Arabs have the right to live everywhere. In the land of Israel, Jews have the right to visit very place in the land of Israel.

/// END ACT ///

But Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has a different view of the visit. Mr. Arafat says Mr. Sharon, in his words, - took a dangerous step which caused harm to the Islamic holy places.

The Palestinian leader has called for the Arab and Muslim world to mobilize against such actions.

Similar feelings are being expressed in the West Bank city of Ramallah, where fighting also broke out in the wake of Mr. Sharon's visit.

Israeli security forces clashed with Palestinian protesters who burned tires and threw stones at them. (SIGNED)

NEB/RD/KL/RAE