WASHINGTON, Jan 11: US Secretary of State Colin Powell on Friday backed Israel’s demand that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat arrest and try those responsible for trying to smuggle weapons aboard a ship in the Red Sea.

In an interview with news agency reporters, Powell also described Israel’s recent actions in the Gaza Strip as a defensive response to a Palestinian provocation.

If Arafat does not take action against those who arranged the arms shipment, it would “complicate enormously” relations between Arafat and the United States, he added.

On Thursday, Israel said it was suspending ties with Arafat’s Palestinian Authority until the Palestinians make the arrests it is demanding.

“For the Israeli government to demand that those responsible be brought to justice is a very reasonable demand if Mr. Arafat can determine who they are,” Powell said.—Reuters