TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Monday his country has no plans to kill Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat.
The Jerusalem Post said Sharon's assurance was given to a visiting European parliamentary delegation in response to a question by David Norris of Ireland.
Said Sharon: "You don't have to worry. He (Arafat) is alive. Not only is he alive, but he is very active in taking all the steps that lead to the murder of children and civilians. The man is very active, you don't have to worry about him...
"If we would have thought that we would have to do what you mention -- I am even afraid to mention the word, to kill him -- but I don't see any plans to kill him."
Sharon spoke in the Knesset to the delegation of about 150 members of 27 European parliaments.
Sharon said European leaders continue to meet with Arafat and noted that every time a European leader calls Arafat or sends a messenger to him, it postpones any possible peace.
"I think it is important to remember that Yasser Arafat is the main obstacle to peace in the region," Sharon said.
