PA condemns Mofaz threats to expel Arafat

GAZA, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath Tuesday cautioned Israel against taking any steps to oust Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Israeli Defense Minister Shaoul Mofaz told Army Radio in an interview Monday, that Israel would find a way to expel Arafat, calling him an obstacle to peace in the Middle East.

"Israel will seek the timing and the manner in which to banish Yasser Arafat," Mofaz had said. "I believe they have a chance, and while there are dangers, the chances outweigh the dangers."

Shaath Tuesday condemned Mofaz' statement, but said he realized Mofaz was only trying to placate the right wing.

However, he warned, "if Israel carries out such a step, they will blow up the whole region."