RAMALLAH, June 26: Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Saturday told foreign diplomats he was committed to a truce during the August Olympics in Greece.

His comments came amid Egyptian efforts to mediate a total ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Authority that would allow for a smooth withdrawal of Israeli troops and the evacuation of Jewish settlements from the Gaza Strip.

"I announce our commitment and respect of the Olympic truce," Arafat said. "We hope that the revival of this ancient, noble tradition will help create a world that enjoys peace, justice and security for coming generations."

The Palestinian Authority is sending a swimmer and a runner to the Olympic games.

An Israeli official said Arafat's remarks were further proof he controls Palestinian militants, a charge the Palestinian president has denied.

"We hope the Olympics will be a peaceful event," the official said. Greece is hosting the summer Olympic games from August 13-29.

In ancient Greece, during the duration of the Olympic Truce - from a week before the games until a week following - hostilities ceased to allow athletes, artists and spectators to travel to the games and return home safely.

Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders earlier this week to promote Egypt's plan to support the Israeli Gaza pullout with Egyptian training for Palestinian security forces.

Egypt is also pressuring the Palestinians to reform their security forces, a move backed by the Middle East Quartet - the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations."-Reuters