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The World - News from Jan. 19, 1989

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The State Department said it has obtained a tape recording of PLO leader Yasser Arafat threatening to pump “10 bullets in the chest” of anyone trying to stifle the Palestinian uprising in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. The department noted that Arafat has since denied the threat, and there was no indication the United States was reconsidering its decision to talk with the Palestine Liberation Organization. But officials said the United States has made clear to Arafat that it considers the comment inconsistent with his agreement to renounce terrorism. The reported threat was believed directed at moderate Elias Freij, the Christian Arab mayor of Bethlehem, who called for a truce in the uprising.

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