White House Blames Arafat, Says Sharon is Man of Peace

WASHINGTON: Following a meeting between President Bush and Congressional leaders, the White House declared that Sharon is committed to peace and that Arafat and Arab neighbors need to denounce terrorism.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer again called for all sides in the crisis to "step up to their responsibilities" and end the violence.

Fleischer said for Israel that means complying with President Bush's request last week to withdraw its troops from Palestinian areas. Prime Minister Sharon has rejected that demand, saying the United States needs to understand that Israel is in a "war of survival."

Fleischer has not said whether President Bush is disappointed by that response. Some Israeli troops are withdrawing from some areas, and Fleischer says the president believes Sharon is a man who is committed to finding peace.

As for the Palestinians, the White House spokesman said President Bush is waiting for Yasser Arafat to make public statements denouncing suicide bombings and rejecting violence as a political instrument.

Fleischer said Israel's Arab neighbors must also do more to stop the violence and reign-in anti-Israeli protestors.

Following breakfast with the president, Senate Minority Leader Republican Trent Lott said Arafat has what he called "one final opportunity" to reduce the violence or risk becoming irrelevant.