Arafat admits unacceptable mistakes

[Cowperson]

In what is seen as a rare admission, he also acknowledged there had been major failings in enforcing security in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

"Some unacceptable mistakes have been made by our institutions and some have abused their positions and violated the trust that has been placed in them," Mr Arafat said in the keynote speech at his West Bank headquarters.

He admitted that "no real effort" had been made to enforce law and order.

"More efforts and support should be made for the security of the people and this is the responsibility of the security organisations."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3575930.stm

Cowperson

[calculoso]

BBC correspondent John Leyne in Ramallah says those people pressing for reforms are likely to be sceptical until they see action to follow Mr Arafat's words.

Add me to this list. Until I see different, I'm going on the belief that he's just talking for the sake of keeping Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei in the fold. These words will need actions, or they're only words.