"This Is a Step Toward a Palestinian State"

By DEAN FISCHER/WASHINGTON YASSER ARAFAT

Q. You've signed a peace agreement with Israel. What now?

A. We face very difficult problems. We start from zero. The infrastructure of Gaza has been destroyed. We need help, not only from our brothers and friends but also from those who want real peace in this area. Peace is a Palestinian need, but it is also an Israeli, an American, a Russian and an Arab need. Every power in the world has a strategic interest in this area because it has so much oil.

I am very optimistic. I was touched by President Clinton's kindness and generosity and by the very friendly attitude of the people in Washington. It requires the participation of the President of the U.S. to convert this piece of paper to reality.

Q. How do you assess the mood of the Palestinian people?

A. There are celebrations everywhere. There is criticism from some circles, but for the first time in this century the majority believe there will be a national Palestinian authority on a free land in Gaza and Jericho from which Israel will withdraw. Many people are worried, but this is normal.

Q. Won't there be continuing trouble with rejectionist groups like Hamas?

A. No, I don't think so. The majority of our people, inside and outside the territories, are supporting what is happening.

Q. How are you dealing with the opposition?

A. We are opening dialogue. Hamas has responded to my appeal for an urgent meeting in Yemen. I am also insisting that Sheik Ahmed Yassin, the founder of Hamas, be released very soon. The Palestinian people who opposed all these sacrifices will not harm this victory.

Q. Will your agreement encourage other Arab countries to make peace with Israel?

A. The Jordanians signed directly after us. I hope the Syrians and the Lebanese will follow.

Q. Will that be soon?

A. Yes, I think so. But our agreement is only a step toward an independent Palestinian state which will confederate with Jordan, according to the free choice of the two peoples. We are committed to that.

Q. The gulf states have been furious with the P.L.O. since you sided with Saddam Hussein in the war. Do you see signs of improvement?

A. We believe we can open a new page. We are in need of it. I sent King Fahd all the details of this agreement. I have been informed by Sultan Qaboos bin Said ((of Oman)) that King Fahd was behind the communique of support issued by the gulf states.

Q. Are you prepared, after all these years in the wilderness, to assume your new responsibilities?

A. Don't worry. Palestinians have participated in organizing many Arab states.

Q. Some people think it will be difficult for the P.L.O. leaders in Tunis to cooperate with Palestinian leaders in the territories.

A. They don't know the relationship. The P.L.O. is the identity of the Palestinian people: there are cadres inside and outside. I signed the decree authorizing the Palestinian delegation to go to Madrid, but I kept it secret at the time. Now we are all members of the follow-up committee. But for this new stage we need to reorganize all our institutions, strengthening them to prepare for very different and difficult responsibilities.

Q. Palestinians and Israelis have been enemies for many years. You have been in a state of war with Israel for most of your life. What changed?

A. For many years I have been asking the Israelis to start making peace. Peace needs courageous men. Now it is Arafat and Rabin. It is very easy for anybody to start a war, but it is very difficult to achieve peace. There is a new world order. We want to be a part of this new order, as Palestinians, and as an Arab nation.

Q. At what point did you believe that the secret Oslo negotiating channel could be successful?

A. About halfway through the process, when it was accepted by Rabin and Peres together.

Q. Did you really think this was going to happen in your lifetime?

A. I am a strong believer. During the crash of my airplane last year in Sudan, I saw two visions. The first was of my brothers who had died -- Abu Jihad, Abu Iyad and the others. The others on the airplane heard me say, "Wait for me, I am coming." Directly after that I saw the Al Aksa mosque in Jerusalem. Which meant that I will live to pray there.