Prime Minister Ariel Sharon departed this morning for his first trip to Washington in his new capacity as the Israeli premier. Despite the many signs that the visit will be a positive one, and despite Sharon\'s statement on CNN last week that he would ask for Jonathan Pollard\'s release from an American prison during his talks with Bush, hints have been received that Sharon may not discuss the matter with the President after all. Raanan Gissin, a spokesman for Sharon and a participant in the 12-man delegation accompanying him to Washington, told IMRA today that the issue will definitely be raised, but \"whether it is going to be with the President or within the working groups, I do not know.\"
Labor MK Ophir Pines and Likud MK Moshe Arens both called upon Sharon today to ask Bush for Pollard\'s release. Pines said, “Pollard continues to pay a high price for helping Israel,” and that Israel must do its utmost to obtain his freedom. Former Likud Defense Minister Arens said that issues that are important to the State of Israel should be raised even if they are \"unpleasant.\"
Pollard’s attorney in Israel, Larry Dubb, has said that the Sharon administration may be Pollard’s last hope. A protest vigil was held opposite the American Consulate in Jerusalem on Pollard’s behalf this afternoon.
Labor MK Ophir Pines and Likud MK Moshe Arens both called upon Sharon today to ask Bush for Pollard\'s release. Pines said, “Pollard continues to pay a high price for helping Israel,” and that Israel must do its utmost to obtain his freedom. Former Likud Defense Minister Arens said that issues that are important to the State of Israel should be raised even if they are \"unpleasant.\"
Pollard’s attorney in Israel, Larry Dubb, has said that the Sharon administration may be Pollard’s last hope. A protest vigil was held opposite the American Consulate in Jerusalem on Pollard’s behalf this afternoon.