This gambit was reminiscent of another of Arafat's theatrical performances a few years back when, to demonstrate his commitment to live in peace with Israel, he was supposed to secure the elimination of dozens of provisions in the Palestinian Charter calling for the destruction of Jews and their State.

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This is in line with Likud's 1999 charter, which "flatly rejects" a sovereign Palestinian state, but backs Palestinian self rule.

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Recognizing that Peres's government was on the line, then US president Bill Clinton flew to Gaza to "oversee" the Palestinian National Council's conference and its cancellation of the charter.

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