Bush critical of Arafat’s handling of crisis

US President George W Bush expressed disappointment with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's efforts to fight terrorism in a telephone…

US President George W Bush expressed disappointment with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's efforts to fight terrorism in a telephone conversation with Egyptian leader Mr Hosni Mubarak, the White House said today.

"The president this morning spoke with President Mubarak of Egypt for about 15 minutes,' White House spokesman Mr Ari Fleischer told reporters.

"They discussed the situation in the Middle East. President Bush made clear his disappointment with Mr Arafat, including Mr Arafat's failure to crack down on terrorism.

AFP