MIDDLE EAST: NATION OF ISLAM LEADER FARRAKHAN ARRIVES IN WEST BANK

(14 Dec 1997) English/Nat

In a surprise move, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan arrived in the West Bank on Sunday, and was warmly welcomed by Palestinian leaders.

But Israel is still unsure whether to give Farrakhan an official reception in Jerusalem on Monday - calling first for a retraction of some of his allegedly anti-semitic views.

Farrakhan is on a 52-nation tour that will take him to several countries criticized by Washington, including Libya, Iran, North Korea and Cuba.

Louis Farrakhan got his Mideast tour off to a surprise early start on Sunday when he dropped in on Palestinian leaders in Ramallah.

And it wasn't long before the Nation of Islam leader walked headlong into controversy.

Israel has not been enthusiastic about a visit to the region by Farrakhan, who once referred to Judaism as a "gutter religion."

But on Sunday he was keen to deny the anti-semitic charges.

He said his aim was peace and reconciliation.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"My mission is peace, and I would hope to encourage that process because if this area breaks into war it could engulf the entire world. I will have more to say God-willing in Jerusalem."
SUPER CAPTION: Louis Farrakhan, Nation of Islam leader

And he distanced himself from previous comments which some had interpreted as anti-semitic.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I have been critical of some aspects of Jewish behaviour toward black people. I have never been, I am not now anti-semitic, I do not hate the Jewish people, nor do I hate Arabs nor do I hate people for the colour of their skin or for their faith and tradition"
SUPER CAPTION: Louis Farrakhan, Nation of Islam leader

The Islamic leader is on a 52-nation tour that will include countries such as Cuba and Libya, countries with which the U-S has poor relations.

The U-S State Department advised Farrakhan that governments of those nations could use his visits as propaganda.

The trip has caught Israeli officials off-guard, as Farrakhan's aides had told Israel he would commence his visit on January 18th 1998.

An earlier application to the Israeli embassy in Washington to travel to Israel in an official capacity was turned down.

As a U-S citizen he will be able to enter Israel freely.

But it's unlikely he'll get an official reception in Jerusalem on Monday unless he retracts his criticisms of the Jewish race.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We don't limit entry to this country because of views. Mr Farrakhan like everybody else has to be let in. He asked for an official status and whether or not that will be granted to him is being discussed today. The conclusion will probably be arrived this evening. I doubt very much whether an official status will be granted to him."
SUPER CAPTION: David Bar Illan, Israeli Government spokesman

Farrakhan met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in Gaza City on Sunday night.

He has often criticised Washington's relations with Muslim countries - saying they're often governed by racist impulses and misunderstandings.

Before leaving the United States, he said he would like his tour to "demonstrate how diplomacy and friendly relations should be carried out."

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