Military

DATE=4/27/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CQ PALESTINIANS/BAN (L)

NUMBER=2-302625

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///// RECASTS LEAD AND DROPS 1ST TEXT SENTENCE OF CR2-302619. /////

INTRO: Palestinian Prime Minister-designate Mahmoud Abbas says he will not meet foreign leaders abroad until Israel lifts its travel ban on President Yasser Arafat. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Mr. Abbas is demanding an end to Israel's restrictions on Mr. Arafat's movements - imposed by Israel more than a year ago. Those restrictions have kept the Palestinian president a virtual prisoner for months at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

The compound was besieged several times last year and most of it destroyed by Israeli forces, which also prevented Mr. Arafat from leaving the area. Israel now says Mr. Arafat is free to go, but that it would not guarantee he will be able to return.

Israel has also decided that it would no longer automatically boycott visiting foreign ministers who meet with Mr. Arafat in Ramallah.

These changes represent an easing in the sanctions that Israel began imposing in December 2001, when it broke off all direct contacts with Mr. Arafat, declaring him irrelevant.

But Mr. Abbas says these concessions are not enough. Mr. Abbas says he will not travel to any destination before, in his words, the siege imposed on Mr. Arafat has been lifted and before he enjoys full freedom to move within the West Bank and Gaza and outside, without any obstacles to his return.

Such a declaration appears to threaten plans by President Bush, who said last week he would invite Mr. Abbas to the White House as part of efforts revive peace talks.

Mr. Bush has refused to meet Mr. Arafat, but has praised Mr. Abbas for his stand against terrorism. (SIGNED)

NEB/RD/ALW/RAE