UNITED NATIONS, Sept 16: The United States on Tuesday vetoed a resolution put forward by Arab nations demanding that Israel not harm or deport Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.

Eleven Security Council members voted in favor while Britain, Germany and Bulgaria abstained after hours of consultations. The United States and Syria, sponsor of the resolution, were unable to reach a compromise.

The resolution drafted by Palestinian UN envoy Nasser al-Kidwa “demands that Israel, the occupying power, desist from any act of deportation and cease any threat to the safety of the elected president of the Palestinian Authority.”

Accusing Arafat of fomenting violence, an allegation he denies, the Israeli security cabinet last week announced Israel would “remove” him as “an obstacle to peace,” although it did not say how or when.

In Washington, a State Department spokesman said the United States, Israel’s closest ally, believed the Syrian text was unbalanced and one-sided.

“We believe the focus should remain on working with both sides to encourage them to recommit themselves to the political process. And we do not believe a Security Council resolution would help further this purpose,” said Adam Ereli.

SUPPORT FOR ARAFAT: Syrian UN envoy Fayssal Mekdad said Arab states agreed to a short delay for more talks, so long as any changes preserved the core message of international support for Arafat.