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| Words in the News
Monday 28 January 2002
Vocabulary from the news. Listen to and read the report then find explanations of difficult words below.
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US criticises Yasser Arafat
Summary: Arab and European officials are urging the United States not to break off ties with the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Both President George Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney say Mr Arafat has not done enough to combat terrorism. This report from Roger Hardy.
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| | The News | |
| | | While George Bush contented himself with saying he was disappointed with Mr Arafat, Dick Cheney used much blunter language. Sunday's bomb attack in Jerusalem, he said, was one more sign Mr Arafat was not in "effective control".
As for the Palestinian leader's denial of any knowledge of an attempt to smuggle a boatload of weapons into Palestinian areas, Mr Cheney said bluntly, "We don't believe him."
The US administration is debating a number of options, including the severing of ties with Mr Arafat and his administration. This is causing alarm among Arab and European officials -- not because they like Yasser Arafat or consider him blameless, but because they're worried about where all this may be leading. Many believe Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister, wants to topple Mr Arafat, and fear the language coming from Washington will simply encourage him.
Later this week George Bush will meet King Abdullah of Jordan. He's been in close touch with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and will tell Mr Bush that all three countries believe it would be highly dangerous for the US to break its ties with Mr Arafat. They fear such a move would further radicalise opinion in the Arab and Muslim worlds. They also argue that, for all his faults, Yasser Arafat is better placed to promote peace with Israel than any possible successor would be.
ROGER HARDY, BBC
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| | The Words
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| | | contented himself with saying
said only that...
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| | | blunter language
more direct or less polite words
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| | | denial of any knowledge
statement that he didn't know
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| | | this is causing alarm
the debate is increasing worries
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| | | where all this may be leading
what may result
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| | | language coming from Washington
the tone of statements made by the United States government
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| | | to break its ties
to stop all contact
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| | | further radicalise opinion
cause people to have more extreme views
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| | | for all his faults
although he has many weaknesses
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| | | better placed
in a better position
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