The Prime Minister leaves for the U.S. on the backdrop of tension with Foreign Minister Shimon Peres. After originally agreeing to have Gen. (res.) Meir Dagan head the talks with American mediator Gen. Zinni, Peres later changed his mind - and his top aide Avi Gil even resigned from the negotiating committee in protest of Dagan\'s appointment. Gil announced to the world that Dagan was too hawkish to lead the talks. Peres publicly accused Sharon yesterday of \"bypassing\" him and of starting a \"second Foreign Ministry.\" In an effort to resolve the problems, Sharon-aide Shani and Gil met last night, and Sharon and Peres will meet when Sharon returns from the U.S.