(Updated Thursday 9:30 AM) Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and US President George Bush emerged in good spirits following their 45-minute Oval Office meeting yesterday. The president opened his remarks to reporters by saying that Sharon and he had, “Good discussions about peace, security, and prosperity.” Bush then said that he understands what terror has done to the Israeli economy, but nevertheless he said, “We [the US] have great confidence in the Israeli economy… The greatest asset Israel has is the brainpower and ingenuity of her people. And I’m convinced that the economy will be strong.”
The US president then reiterated his support for a Palestinian State alongside Israel. He said that he is once again dispatching US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Bill (William) Burns back to the region to oversea reforms within the Palestinian Authority.
Prime Minister Sharon opened his remarks by thanking the president for his leadership in the international War on Terror. Sharon said that he is confident that the world’s terrorism will be contained thanks to Bush’s initiatives. He added that Israel has been facing terror for 120 years and still is today. Sharon then told reporters that Israel has never had such good relations with a US president as it has with President Bush.
When asked by reporters whether the US would approve of an Israeli retaliation should Iraq launch an unprovoked strike on an Israeli city Bush said, “If Iraq attacks Israel tomorrow, I would assume the Prime Minister would respond. He’s got a desire to defend himself. Our hope is that Iraqi regime will disarm peacefully.” Israel radio reported today that Bush has guaranteed to give Israel a two-week notice prior to attack on Baghdad, so that Israel could make the appropriate preparations.
The US president then reiterated his support for a Palestinian State alongside Israel. He said that he is once again dispatching US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Bill (William) Burns back to the region to oversea reforms within the Palestinian Authority.
Prime Minister Sharon opened his remarks by thanking the president for his leadership in the international War on Terror. Sharon said that he is confident that the world’s terrorism will be contained thanks to Bush’s initiatives. He added that Israel has been facing terror for 120 years and still is today. Sharon then told reporters that Israel has never had such good relations with a US president as it has with President Bush.
When asked by reporters whether the US would approve of an Israeli retaliation should Iraq launch an unprovoked strike on an Israeli city Bush said, “If Iraq attacks Israel tomorrow, I would assume the Prime Minister would respond. He’s got a desire to defend himself. Our hope is that Iraqi regime will disarm peacefully.” Israel radio reported today that Bush has guaranteed to give Israel a two-week notice prior to attack on Baghdad, so that Israel could make the appropriate preparations.