Arutz-7\'s Yedidya Atlas, covering Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s visit in Washington, D.C., reports that Sharon\'s meeting with US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld yesterday \"took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere.” The two discussed the growth of the terrorism threat to Middle East and global stability. \"Most of the wars in the Middle East began because of terrorism,” Mr. Sharon pointed out. He reminded Secretary Rumsfeld that official PA elements are directly involved in terrorism attacks, and noted proof of such from recent events.
While the Prime Minister again declared his willingness to negotiate with Arafat and make every effort to achieve peace, Mr. Sharon reiterated: \"One thing must be clear: There is no possibility at all that we will negotiate under the threat of terror and violence... We want to reach peace, but we must first restore the quiet. We are interested in stability, but there is one thing we will not sacrifice for stability, and that is our lives... It is the basic right of every nation to defend herself.” Rumsfeld told Sharon, “Israel is a small country, and you cannot allow yourselves to make big mistakes.”
While the Prime Minister again declared his willingness to negotiate with Arafat and make every effort to achieve peace, Mr. Sharon reiterated: \"One thing must be clear: There is no possibility at all that we will negotiate under the threat of terror and violence... We want to reach peace, but we must first restore the quiet. We are interested in stability, but there is one thing we will not sacrifice for stability, and that is our lives... It is the basic right of every nation to defend herself.” Rumsfeld told Sharon, “Israel is a small country, and you cannot allow yourselves to make big mistakes.”