PA threats to annul recognition of Israel

GAZA, April 27 (UPI) -- An aide to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat warned Tuesday harming Arafat means annulling Palestinian recognition of Israel.

Ahmad Abdel-Rahman told reporters Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's recent threats against Arafat cross the line. Sharon last week said he was no longer bound by a promise no to kill Arafat but said there were no immediate plans to act. Members of his government later played down the threat.

Abdel-Rahman urged Palestinians to halt "all practices that could provide Sharon with the necessary pretext to target Arafat."

He also called on Palestinians and other Arabs to develop a unified position.