US continues stinging attack on Arafat

WASHINGTON: The US continued its stinging attack on Yasser Arafat saying the Palestinian leader has yet to earn its trust on the issues of combating terrorism, corruption and rule of law.

"Yasser Arafat, on the questions of fighting terrorism, corruption and rule of law, has not earned our trust. And these are all issues that the President (Bush) will watch and monitor." White Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said on Friday.

Fleischer said US believes that the primary duty of Palestinian Authority was to provide its people with a state where rule of law, transperency and lack of corruption prevails.