14 January 2002

Arrest of Palestinian Smugglers "Step in the Right Direction"

State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher called the arrest by the Palestinian Authority of individuals in connection with the weapons smuggling operation of the ship Karine A, as well its statement that the smuggling operation was contrary to its policy, "steps in the right direction".

"But more must be done, clearly and immediately" by Chairman Arafat to act against those responsible and dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism, so that activities of this type cannot occur again, Boucher told reporters at the regular briefing January 14.

Palestinian officials said over the weekend that three people had been arrested in connection with the affair, but now report only one is in detention.

Question: Could you talk about the actions by Yasser Arafat over the weekend? There was some confusion about how many people he detained, and whether you've gotten any kind of explanation from him yet.

Mr. Boucher: I don't have any further information on that. We've obviously followed those reports with considerable interest.

We do think that arrests of those responsible for the Karine A and the statement that was made by the Palestinian Authority stating that this smuggling operation are contrary to its policy are steps in the right direction, but more must be done, clearly and immediately.

As leader of the Palestinian Authority, Arafat cannot avoid responsibility for the actions of his senior officials, and as such, he has a responsibility to immediately take action against those responsible, to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism, so that activities of this type cannot occur again.

The secretary, as you know, last week was in touch with Chairman Arafat. Our representatives have kept in touch with the Palestinians all along, to make quite clear that the Karine A operation was very serious and that we urge immediate action by Chairman Arafat. Our consulate continues to press that message with the Palestinian Authority.

Question: Is the jury still out, as far as the U.S. is concerned, whether Yasser Arafat knew of the operation, was involved in the operation?

Mr. Boucher: I don't have anything new on that at this point.