(Updated Wednesday 9:45 AM) Yesterday Prime Minister Sharon met with US president George Bush for over an hour in the Oval Office of the White House. During the meeting Sharon was notified of the explosion in a Rishon Lezion pool hall, but at that point it had not been determined that a suicide attack had taken place. Both leaders appeared from the meeting with smiles on their faces as they took the time to brief the press and answer questions.
Bush announced that he would be deploying CIA director George Tenet back to the region to design and construct what he called a, \" Unified [Palestinian] security force that will be transparent and held accountable [for reigning in terror].\" Bush repeatedly stressed that he felt it was necessary for the PA to have one command structure and not separate factions, as is the case now. He also spoke about the importance of making reforms throughout the PA-including: establishing a PA constitution, improving the healthcare system, and setting up a corruption-free treasury department.
While Bush talked to reporters about the eventual creation of a state called ‘Palestine’, during the press conference Bush repeatedly used the word ‘Palestine’ when referring to PA controlled areas as if that nation is already in existence.
On the other hand Prime Minister Sharon seemed to distance himself from statements he made in recent weeks calling for the establishment of a Palestinian State. Yesterday Sharon said that it was “premature” to discuss the Palestinian Statehood issue. Instead Sharon mirrored Bush’s comments and spoke-about the need for reforms throughout the PA.
When asked whether or not Sharon should go back to the negotiating table with Yasser Arafat, the American president said, “I am never going to tell my friend what to do…he is a democratically elected leader.
When Sharon was informed that last night’s explosion was an Arab homicide attack on Israeli civilians, he decided to cancel the New York leg of his trip and return to Israel. Before departing Sharon condemned the attack, and placed the blame squarely on Yasser Arafat.
Sharon added emphatically that, “Those who call for millions of martyrs, are guilty! Those who constantly incite are guilty! Those who fund terrorism are guilty! Those who launch terrorism are guilty! Guilty!\"
Sharon is currently en route home.
Bush announced that he would be deploying CIA director George Tenet back to the region to design and construct what he called a, \" Unified [Palestinian] security force that will be transparent and held accountable [for reigning in terror].\" Bush repeatedly stressed that he felt it was necessary for the PA to have one command structure and not separate factions, as is the case now. He also spoke about the importance of making reforms throughout the PA-including: establishing a PA constitution, improving the healthcare system, and setting up a corruption-free treasury department.
While Bush talked to reporters about the eventual creation of a state called ‘Palestine’, during the press conference Bush repeatedly used the word ‘Palestine’ when referring to PA controlled areas as if that nation is already in existence.
On the other hand Prime Minister Sharon seemed to distance himself from statements he made in recent weeks calling for the establishment of a Palestinian State. Yesterday Sharon said that it was “premature” to discuss the Palestinian Statehood issue. Instead Sharon mirrored Bush’s comments and spoke-about the need for reforms throughout the PA.
When asked whether or not Sharon should go back to the negotiating table with Yasser Arafat, the American president said, “I am never going to tell my friend what to do…he is a democratically elected leader.
When Sharon was informed that last night’s explosion was an Arab homicide attack on Israeli civilians, he decided to cancel the New York leg of his trip and return to Israel. Before departing Sharon condemned the attack, and placed the blame squarely on Yasser Arafat.
Sharon added emphatically that, “Those who call for millions of martyrs, are guilty! Those who constantly incite are guilty! Those who fund terrorism are guilty! Those who launch terrorism are guilty! Guilty!\"
Sharon is currently en route home.