UN, EU and US in Ramallah crisis talks

The United Nations, the EU and the US are all involved in crisis talks following the Israeli occupation of Yasser Arafat’s headquarters in Ramallah.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is one of the few world leaders who has managed to get through to President Arafat on the phone, as room to room fighting was reportedly continuing inside.

The US says terrorism has brought about the crisis and is again demanding that the Palestinian leadership do more to end attacks after a suicide bombing today claimed three lives.

Secretary of State, Colin Powell, says he has received assurances from Israel that the occupation of Ramallah will not be extended.