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over the RAMALLAH, westward Bank (AP) - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat (news - weave sites) rebuffed Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites)s demand Sunday for a halt to violence, saying Israel first essential withdraw its troops from the West Bank.Photos AP Photo Slideshows AP Photo Mideast Conflict speech sound/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 virtuoso(a) pullback, a U.S. official said.Sharon renewed his proposal for an international peace company among Israel and Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Syria and Lebanon and the Palestinians, but not Yasser Arafat.Sharon said the United States would lead the assemblage, and "I imagine that within a short time a conference of this sort will convene to debate the diplomatic arrangements in the oculus East."Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the proposal was an attempt to "turn the time backward."A senior U.S. official said the idea was discussed "as assort of a way to move forward politically," but more dialog were needed.Arafat, 72, appeared in good health as he met with Powell in his rocket-scarred provide that is surrounded by Israeli tanks and troops. Arafat has been under pressure that is "unreal for an grey 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 gape hole marred the facade and the walls were blackened with bullet marks.A senior aide, Saeb Erekat, said Arafat stood by his commitments, including an end to violence. But, Erekat said after the three-hour meeting, that meant "once the Israelis round out the withdrawal we will, as Palestinians, then carry out our obligations.& quotArafat 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 ingroup in the town.President Bush (news - web sites) has demanded a pullback right on away, but Sharon refused to provide a timetable when he saw 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 hasten to stop, that it was a major barrier" to progress toward a security agreement or on negotiations that Powell has said should lead to establishment of a Palestinian state.