September 15, 2003	Monday	Rajab 17, 1424

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TEHRAN, Sept 14: Iran on Sunday condemned an Israeli cabinet decision to expel or isolate Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, slamming Israel as the real obstacle to peace.

“The Islamic republic of Iran strongly condemns the latest decision by the Zionist regime’s cabinet,” foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told reporters.

“With its assassinations, expulsions and forcing into exile of Palestinian officials, the Zionist regime is an obstacle in the way of peace and calmness even for a short period of time in the region.

“As long as the Zionist regime has the green light and support from the United States, we cannot be hopeful for any change in the condition of the Palestinians,” he added.

Israel’s decision on Thursday to agree in principle to “remove” the veteran leader has provoked widespread international condemnation.—AFP