Many Palestinian and Arab leaders were critical of the agreements that sent 13 suspected Palestinian militants into exile in Europe and another six to a jail in Jericho, where they are being monitored by American and British wardens.
While Mr. Arafat admitted that mistakes have been made, he blamed Israel for the current conflict and during parts of his speech listed the damage caused during Israel's recent military offensive in the West Bank.

Mr. Arafat's speech came one day after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he will not resume peace talks with the Palestinians until there is major reform within the Palestinian Authority.

The Israeli leader said there cannot be any peace with what he called "a dictatorial, corrupt, tyrannical regime."

The United States and some Palestinian officials have also called for changes in the way Palestinian institutions operate.

Mr. Arafat made his address on the Wednesday Palestinians call Al Nakba, or the "great catastrophe." It marks the anniversary of the creation of Israel in 1948, during which hundreds of thousands of Palestinians became refugees during fighting between Israeli and Arab troops.

Meredith Buel

Article courtesy Voice of America: http://www.voa.gov