Yasser Arafat

Re “Listen to Arafat in Arabic, Not in English,” Commentary, Feb. 27: David Eliezrie stated that Yasser Arafat’s refusal to modify the Palestinian Covenant calling for Israel’s destruction is yet “another broken promise by the PLO leader.” The facts are that the Oslo II agreement signed by the PLO and Israel stated that this covenant will be eliminated two months after the first meeting of the newly elected Palestinian Council. That meeting is currently set for March 7. So, if that meeting is held as scheduled and Arafat does not eliminate the covenant by early May, then is the time to call him names.

The writer implies that Arafat is the enemy and cannot be trusted. Trust is not the issue. As Israel’s Moshe Dayan said, you don’t make peace with your friends, you make peace with your enemies. You do it carefully, cautiously, but you do make a persistent effort. What is the alternative to the Peres peace efforts--more killings and a return to a heightened intifada?

Eliezrie is correct that Arafat must be watched and constant pressure applied. But the peace process must go forward. The alternative is a renewed conflict with the Palestinians, more deaths and the end of hope for peace in the region.

RICHARD S. GUNTHER

Immediate Past President

Americans for Peace Now

Los Angeles

* The government of Israel seeks to protect its people from terrorists. Does it look to the powerful Israel Defense Force, to its famed secret service or to its vigilant police? No, it pleads for protection against terrorists to that old born-again terrorist, Yasser Arafat.

NATHAN KRAVETZ

Sherman Oaks