Sharon Proposes Exile for Arafat

JERUSALEM (AP) - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Tuesday proposed a way to end Yasser Arafat's effective imprisonment by Israel - the Palestinian leader is welcome to take a one-way helicopter ride into exile, accompanied by European diplomats to guarantee his safety.

Arafat, who says he would prefer martyrdom to exile, would never accept the offer, Palestinian officials said. Arafat "will not leave Palestine,'' Planning Minister Nabil Shaath said from Cairo, Egypt.

Despite Sharon's remarks, the most likely scenario still looks to be an extended standoff at Arafat's office in Ramallah, with Sharon hoping the hulking presence of Israeli armor just outside Arafat's door will squeeze him into seeking a halt to the wave of attacks against Israel.

But the Israeli strategy has produced no tangible benefit so far. Palestinian violence has intensified to the point of almost daily suicide bombings. Arafat, who has thrived in crises throughout his tumultuous career, is attempting to use the international media and foreign leaders to keep his plight in the limelight.

As the standoff drags on, Sharon is likely to face increasing pressure to pull Israeli troops out of Arafat's compound, and that could play to Arafat's advantage in the battle for public opinion.

After journalists slipped into Arafat's compound, Sharon ordered military commanders to tighten the cordon around the area, and the Palestinian leader has not spoken publicly since Sunday.

Sharon said Tuesday that European Union envoy Miguel Moratinos asked Israeli officials whether Arafat would be able to leave Ramallah.

"If (European diplomats) would like, they will fly with a helicopter and will take him from here,'' Sharon said in remarks carried by Israel Radio.

"First, I would have to bring this to the Cabinet. Second, he can't take anyone with him, the murderers who are located around him there. And the third thing is that it would have to be a one-way ticket,'' Sharon said.

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