Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and US President George Bush emerged in good spirits following their 45-minute Oval Office meeting yesterday. In his remarks to reporters, Bush put to rest - at least publicly - speculation that he was pressuring Israel to leave to the U.S. all military action against Iraq, even if Israel is attacked. “If Iraq attacks Israel tomorrow, I would assume the Prime Minister would respond. He’s got a desire [sic?] to defend himself. Our hope is that the Iraqi regime will disarm peacefully.” Israel Radio reported today that Bush guaranteed to give Israel two weeks' advance notice before attack on Baghdad, so that Israel could make the appropriate preparations.
President Bush opened his remarks to reporters by saying that Sharon and he had had "good discussions about peace, security, and prosperity.” Bush then said that he understands what terror has done to the Israeli economy, but nevertheless, “We 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.”
Bush reiterated his support for a Palestinian state alongside Israel, and said that he will soon dispatch US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns back to the Middle East to oversee reforms within the Palestinian Authority.
Prime Minister Sharon thanked Bush for his "leadership in the international war on terror," and expressed his confidence that "the world’s terrorism will be contained thanks to [Bush’s] initiatives." Sharon added that Israel has been facing terror for 120 years and still is today. He said that Israel has never had as good relations with a US president as it has with President Bush. The Israeli leader met last night with the US Vice President and Defense Secretary as well.
President Bush opened his remarks to reporters by saying that Sharon and he had had "good discussions about peace, security, and prosperity.” Bush then said that he understands what terror has done to the Israeli economy, but nevertheless, “We 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.”
Bush reiterated his support for a Palestinian state alongside Israel, and said that he will soon dispatch US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns back to the Middle East to oversee reforms within the Palestinian Authority.
Prime Minister Sharon thanked Bush for his "leadership in the international war on terror," and expressed his confidence that "the world’s terrorism will be contained thanks to [Bush’s] initiatives." Sharon added that Israel has been facing terror for 120 years and still is today. He said that Israel has never had as good relations with a US president as it has with President Bush. The Israeli leader met last night with the US Vice President and Defense Secretary as well.