New Delhi, Sept 12: India today "disapproved" Israeli decision to "remove" Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the wake of the two suicide bombings in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem suspected to be the handiwork of Palestinian separatist group Hamas. "We disapprove on this plan", External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters when asked about yesterday's decision announced after a marathon meeting of the 11-member Israeli security cabinet.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who cut short his visit to India and returned on Saturday, is under increasing pressure at home to take dramatic action that would somehow break the bloody three-year deadlock with the Palestinians. While strengthening its relations with Israel, India has made it clear that there was no dilution of its stand on the Palestinian cause. "We remain committed to it", official sources said.

New Delhi has also stated in unambiguous terms that it recognised Arafat as the president of Palestine and a trusted and longtime friend of India.

Bureau Report