A U.S. congressional delegation met with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and the newly appointed Palestinian prime minister on Thursday, smoothing the way for a U.S.-backed peace plan that envisions a Palestinian state. It was the first high-level meeting between U.S. officials and the embattled Arafat since President George W. Bush effectively boycotted him in June, conditioning Palestinian statehood on Arafat's departure.

The talks, however, were not sanctioned by the State Department.

The three congressmen said Arafat assured them he would give designated Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, real power to lead Palestinians - a key demand for the peace plan to move forward.

"Arafat agreed," said Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va. "He has to give Abu Mazen the freedom and authority to lead the Palestinians."

Senior Israeli officials also disapproved of the meeting. Israel accuses Arafat of sponsoring terrorism and failing to rein in militants.

Palestinians said the visit signaled a thawing in U.S.-Palestinian relations.

"For a long time, the Americans didn't visit Arafat," said Saeb Erekat, Palestinian Cabinet minister. "The visit shows good American support for the road map and a real will to revive the peace process in the region."

"Abu Mazen will present his government to the Palestinian Legislative Council by Sunday," Palestinian Planning Minister Nabil Shaath said Thursday.

The talks came as clashes erupted between Israeli occupation troops and Palestinians on the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Soldiers shot and killed a 16-year-old in the West Bank and shot a 17-year-old in the chest in Rafah on the Gaza Strip.
Witnesses said the boys were throwing stones at occupation troops.

The West Bank and Gaza Strip, meanwhile, remained under a tight closure after Israeli officials received information that Palestinian militants were planning attacks during the Jewish holiday of Passover, which began Wednesday.

Congressmen to Meet President Bashar in Damascus

The three congressmen would meet with Syrian President Basher Assad on Sunday, Rahall said. Senior U.S. officials have accused Syria of providing Iraq with war material and harboring terrorists.

Blair Invites Sharon for Talks in London

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, meanwhile, invited Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to England for talks. Sharon's office said it was reviewing the invitation.

Sharon, like Bush, has refused to deal with Arafat. Israeli troops all but confined Arafat to his bombed out office compound a year ago. Sharon has said, however, he is willing to start talks with Abu Mazen once the government is formed.

"There is a road map that has been worked out ... and we should now pursue peace," said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., was also part of the U.S. delegation.

PHOTO CAPTION

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, second right, meets a U.S. congressional delegation at his office in the West Bank town of Ramallah Thursday April 17, 2003. (AP Photo/Palestinian Authority, Omar Rashidi, HO)