News In Brief

Egyptian official urges Western talks with Arafat

Egyptian Foreign Minister Boutros Boutros Ghali was quoted Monday as saying Western Europe should start a dialogue with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and urge the United States to do the same.

In an interview with the ruling National Democratic Party's weekly newspaper Mayo, Mr. Ghali said the European Community should also encourage Jordan and the Palestine Liberation Organization to resume talks on a joint approach to Middle East peace.

Meanwhile, in Beirut, Walid Jumblatt, the Druze leader, flatly demanded that Lebanese President Amin Gemayel resign ''before he destroys Lebanon through his foolish policies.'' He added, ''We are not ready to cover the crimes of the Falangist Party.''