Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is on his way back to Israel, after meeting with U.S. President George Bush in Washington yesterday. Members of Sharon's entourage say they're satisfied with the meetings with Bush and other U.S. officials.
In the traditional post-meeting announcement to the press, Bush again mentioned his goal of "two states living side by side" - despite growing opposition to the idea of a PLO state by much of Bush's right-wing support base.
The American President thanked Sharon - whom he called Ariel; Sharon called the President "George" - for his efforts to ease restrictions in the PA areas. Sharon said that Israel would continue to build the anti-terrorist partition, but he said he would look for ways to make it easier for the Palestinians. Bush seemed to suffice with that for the meanwhile, but said, "We will continue the dialogue in order to guarantee that the partition sends the right message." He said that the best way to fight terrorism is to disarm the terror organizations. Sharon said that he did not discuss with Bush the route the partition would take.
The Israelis said that the Prime Minister raised the matter of Jonathan Pollard with Bush, and even gave him a petition requesting Pollard's released signed by 112 Knesset Members - but Bush avoided giving an answer.
The President also avoided a reporter's question on the topic. Asked, "Why do you expect any government to set free Palestinian prisoners while you don't order to set free the Israeli civilian, Jonathan Pollard?", Bush did not even mention Pollard in his response. He said instead:
"Yes, well, I said very clearly at the press conference with Prime Minister Abbas, I don't expect anybody to release somebody from prison who will go kill somebody. That doesn't make any sense. I mean, if we're trying to fight off terror, and we're interested in a peaceful settlement, it doesn't make any sense to release somebody who is going to get out of prison and start killing. I do hope that the Prime Minister continues to work with the Palestinian Authority to release those prisoners that won't create the conditions of terror. And I believe that Prime Minister Abbas wants peace. I know that the -- his cabinet is interested in developing the institutions necessary for a Palestinian state to emerge in a peaceful way..."
Before he left the U.S., Sharon told reporters that there is no chance for a "true solution as long as Arafat is in charge of the main PA forces." He said that Arafat continues to "pile up obstacles in Abu Mazen's path."