CAIRO, May 31 (UPI) -- Egypt reportedly has warned Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to ease his grip on power or face possible removal from office.
The pan-Arab newspaper Al-Quds-al-Arabi quoted Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman as telling Arafat unless he implements reforms, Egypt and the United States may step out of the way, allowing Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to forcibly removing Arafat.
Suleiman said Egypt wants all Palestinian security forces united under one command authority, Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia given complete authority over peace talks and Arafat placed in a completely ceremonial position, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Arafat reportedly has a June 15 deadline to comply.
The Egyptian newspaper al-Ahram said Qureia plans to meet soon with all Palestinian factions, including militant groups, to discuss a cease-fire with Israel.
