DATE=12/17/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-243167
TITLE=PALESTINIANS / IRAQ (S UPDATE)
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=JERUSALEM
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:

INTRO:  PALESTINIANS STAGED RALLIES OF SUPPORT FOR IRAQ IN THE 
WEST  BANK AND GAZA AND SOME LED TO CLASHES WITH ISRAELI SECURITY
FORCES.  V-O-A'S DAVID GOLLUST IN JERUSALEM REPORTS PALESTINIAN 
SOURCES SAID A 19-YEAR-OLD PALESTINIAN WAS SHOT TO DEATH NEAR THE
WEST BANK TOWN OF RAMALLAH.

TEXT:  THERE WERE PRO-IRAQ MARCHES AND DEMONSTRATIONS IN GAZA AND
IN SEVERAL TOWNS IN THE WEST BANK, INCLUDING BETHLEHEM WHERE 
AMERICAN FLAGS WERE BURNED AT A RALLY ONLY TWO DAYS AFTER 
PRESIDENT CLINTON WAS WARMLY RECEIVED THERE.

OFFICIALS OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY AVOIDED DIRECT CRITICISM 
OF MR. CLINTON, BUT EXPRESSED SOLIDARITY WITH THE IRAQI PEOPLE 
AND URGED AN END TO HOSTILITIES.  AMONG THEM WAS CABINET MEMBER 
AND CHIEF NEGOTIATOR SAEB EREKAT:

                   ///  EREKAT ACTUALITY  ///

         WE DEMAND AN IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF THESE STRIKES 
         AGAINST IRAQ.  WE BELIEVE THAT ONLY THROUGH PEACEFUL 
         MEANS CAN SUCH PROBLEMS BE SOLVED.

                        ///  END ACT  ///

PALESTINIAN LEADER YASSER ARAFAT, WHO OPENLY SIDED WITH BAGHDAD 
DURING THE GULF WAR, AVOIDED COMMENT ON THE NEW ATTACKS BUT A 
SPOKESMAN URGED AN ARAB SUMMIT TO SEEK AN END TO THE AIR STRIKES.
(SIGNED)

NEB/DAG/JWH

17-Dec-98 11:20 AM EST (1620 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.