JERUSALEM, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says the removal of Yasser Arafat from all positions of influence is the key to Middle East peace.
Sharon made the comment during an interview published Wednesday in the French daily newspaper Le Figaro.
Israel Radio said Sharon also called for cutting Arafat off from any involvement with the Palestinian Authority's finances.
The Ha'aretz news service said Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz also had harsh words for Arafat, saying the Palestinian Authority chairman is doing everything he can to undermine current peace efforts. Mofaz said Israel would not continue with any peace efforts until the PA dismantles terrorist organizations.
Mofaz told Israel Radio: "I won't be surprised if Arafat is behind the terror attacks in recent days. He is doing all he can to torpedo the (peace) process and Abu Mazen's (Mahmoud Abbas) leadership.
"We will not continue the diplomatic process and it cannot advance without solving the problem of the terror infrastructure. The Palestinians must fight the terror infrastructure and dismantle it for the (peace) process to continue."
