Prime Minister Sharon, briefing his cabinet yesterday on his recent White House visit, said that he told US President Bush that the time was not ripe for even discussing the establishment of a Palestinian State. Sharon also told his ministers that he informed the president that Israel would not engage in diplomatic negotiations with the Palestinians, until there was a cessation of terrorism, violence, and incitement. Sharon’s statements against the establishment of a Palestinian State at the present time come despite a speculative report released by the New York Times newspaper on Friday, which suggests that President Bush will deliver a Middle East policy speech this week in which he will suggest the establishment of a “temporary” Palestinian State.
Public Security Minister Uzi Landau yesterday expressed sharp criticism for the “temporary” state idea. He said that such an entity would be the greatest victory for Yasser Arafat and his terrorist regime for carrying out daily attacks against Israeli since September 2000.
In related diplomatic news, US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice stated yesterday that the current PA structure cannot serve as a basis for an independent Palestinian State. She told the San Jose Mercury News newspaper, that the rampant corruption in the PA is not conducive for the establishment of a democratic Palestinian entity.
Public Security Minister Uzi Landau yesterday expressed sharp criticism for the “temporary” state idea. He said that such an entity would be the greatest victory for Yasser Arafat and his terrorist regime for carrying out daily attacks against Israeli since September 2000.
In related diplomatic news, US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice stated yesterday that the current PA structure cannot serve as a basis for an independent Palestinian State. She told the San Jose Mercury News newspaper, that the rampant corruption in the PA is not conducive for the establishment of a democratic Palestinian entity.