(Updated Tuesday 9:30 AM) Prime Minister Sharon met with US President Bush for over an hour in the Oval Office of the White House yesterday morning. The meeting, which was described as friendly, was the sixth between the world leaders since Sharon became Prime Minister in March of last year. Among the issues discussed were Syria’s support of the Hizbullah terrorist organization. Sharon told the president that the thousands of Hizbullah missiles aimed at Israel from Lebanon were the, \"biggest threat facing Israel today.” Also on the table was the fate of the imprisoned Israeli, Jonathan Pollard. Pollard remains in a North Carolina prison on charges that he passed confidential US documents over to Israel.
The two world leaders also talked about a proposed Middle East regional conference for this summer. The American President cast some doubt that such a conference would take place. He told reporters that, “the conditions [for a conference] are not even there yet. That’s because no one has confidence in the emerging Palestinian government.”
When asked by reporters if Israel’s current operation in Ramallah was harming White House peace efforts, the president remarked, “Israel has a right to defend herself”. The president also, once again, expressed his disappointment in PA leader Yasser Arafat. Sharon added that at the present time Israel does not have a “partner” for negotiations.
Following his meeting with Bush, Sharon met with US Vice President Dick Cheney. Sharon is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair before returning to Israel on Wednesday.
The two world leaders also talked about a proposed Middle East regional conference for this summer. The American President cast some doubt that such a conference would take place. He told reporters that, “the conditions [for a conference] are not even there yet. That’s because no one has confidence in the emerging Palestinian government.”
When asked by reporters if Israel’s current operation in Ramallah was harming White House peace efforts, the president remarked, “Israel has a right to defend herself”. The president also, once again, expressed his disappointment in PA leader Yasser Arafat. Sharon added that at the present time Israel does not have a “partner” for negotiations.
Following his meeting with Bush, Sharon met with US Vice President Dick Cheney. Sharon is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair before returning to Israel on Wednesday.