While media around the world are reporting on the \"disagreements\" between Prime Minister Sharon and President Bush, both sides are attempting to downplay their significance. A senior White House aide said that there are no substantive differences between the leaders. Sharon himself told Israeli reporters that he and Bush agree on most issues, and that the meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere, but that it is better that the differences should be laid on the table. The disagreements center around the question of whether the Palestinian violence must stop totally or only \"significantly.\" Speaking with reporters before their meeting, Bush insisted that progress has been made towards stopping violence, while Sharon said that there must be absolutely no Arab terrorism or incitement.
Before the meeting, Bush emphasized the progress made in stopping the violence and the need to begin \"at some stage\" implementing the Mitchell Report. Sharon, however, emphasized the continuing Palestinian violence and Israel\'s insistence on a complete end to terrorism and incitement. Bush said, \"Both sides will understand when the level of violence will be reduced to a level at which it will be possible to proceed,\" while Sharon said, \"Israel\'s position is that we can conduct negotiations only when there is a complete stop to terrorism, incitement, and violence. Just last week five of our people were killed, which is proportional to 250 or even 300 Americans. We can have no compromise with terrorism.\" Bush responded, \"We understand the pressures that the Prime Minister faces, we condemn violence and death, but we believe that there has been progress?\"
Before the meeting, Bush emphasized the progress made in stopping the violence and the need to begin \"at some stage\" implementing the Mitchell Report. Sharon, however, emphasized the continuing Palestinian violence and Israel\'s insistence on a complete end to terrorism and incitement. Bush said, \"Both sides will understand when the level of violence will be reduced to a level at which it will be possible to proceed,\" while Sharon said, \"Israel\'s position is that we can conduct negotiations only when there is a complete stop to terrorism, incitement, and violence. Just last week five of our people were killed, which is proportional to 250 or even 300 Americans. We can have no compromise with terrorism.\" Bush responded, \"We understand the pressures that the Prime Minister faces, we condemn violence and death, but we believe that there has been progress?\"