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over the RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat (news - electronic network sites) rebuffed deposit of State Colin Powell (news - web sites)s demand Sunday for a halt to violence, axiom Israel first must withdraw its troops from the West Bank. vulnerabilitys AP Photo Slideshows AP Photo M imagest Conflict Audio/Video Powell to Meet With Arafat Sunday (AP) Powell, shuttling back to Israel for a meeting in Tel Aviv, then pressed Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (news - web sites) for a complete pullback, a U.S. official said.Sharon renewed his proposal for an external peace conference among Israel and Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Syria and Lebanon and the Palestinians, precisely not Yasser Arafat.Sharon said the unify States would lead the conference, and "I imagine that within a short snip a conference of this sort will convene to debate the diplomatic arrangements in the Middle East."Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the proposal was an on set to "turn the clock backward."A senior U.S. official said the idea was discussed "as part of a way to move forward politically," but more talks were needed.Arafat, 72, appeared in good health as he met with Powell in his rocket-scarred headquarters that is surrounded by Israeli tanks and troops. Arafat has been under insisting that is "unreal for an old man like him," said Zeid Abu Shawish, a Palestinian doctor in the compound.Powell was driven to the besieged compound in a motmorcade of armored-plated SUVs, shielded by U.S. security personnel with submachine guns.The headquarters showed the effects of Israeli bombardment. A gaping hole marred the facade and the walls were blackened with smoking marks.A senior aide, Saeb Erekat, said Arafat stood by his commitments, including an end to violence. But, Erekat said by and by the three-hour meeting, that meant "once the Israelis complete the withdrawal we will, as Palestinians, then carry break our obl igations."Arafat complained bitterly and extensively to Powell about Israels military thrust into Palestinian-held towns and villages, and especially its actions in Jenin and a refugee camp in the town.President Bush (news - web sites) has demanded a pullback right away, but Sharon refused to provide a timetable when he aphorism Powell on Friday in Jerusalem. They met again briefly Sunday night in Tel Aviv.Powell, in a short statement to reporters, called his meeting with Arafat useful and constructive.A senior U.S. official said Powells "clear message" to Arafat in a 45-minute presentation was "the bombings have to stop, that it was a major barrier" to progress toward a security agreement or on negotiations that Powell has said should lead to governing of a Palestinian state.