The British Prime Minister said this in response to a reporter's query whether he sees the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as the last Israeli withdrawal.
Sharon said he might soon be able to return to the Road Map plan, which he temporarily abandoned in favor of his unilateral withdrawal plan from Gaza and northern Samaria: "I initiated the disengagement when we had no partner. Now, if the necessary security measures are taken, this will enable us to return to the Road Map."
Abu Mazen, who is expected to be elected to head the Palestinian Authority 18 days from now, has said that after the elections, he will "negotiate" with Israel about the disengagement. If this is true, it will negate the unilateral nature of the withdrawal, leading to an increase in support for the plan among Israelis.
On the other hand, negotiations with the PA over the disengagement plan are likely to delay its implementation.
Blair expressed his acceptance of Israel's refusal to take part in the Middle East conference he is planning in London this coming February. Sharon explained that Israel appreciates Blair's efforts in convening the conference, "which is designed to help the Palestinians implement the necessary reforms towards their democratization and to grant economic aid to the Palestinians." Sharon continued that as "it deals with Palestinian issues exclusively, we have decided, together with the British, that there is no need for Israeli participation."
Sharon said he might soon be able to return to the Road Map plan, which he temporarily abandoned in favor of his unilateral withdrawal plan from Gaza and northern Samaria: "I initiated the disengagement when we had no partner. Now, if the necessary security measures are taken, this will enable us to return to the Road Map."
Abu Mazen, who is expected to be elected to head the Palestinian Authority 18 days from now, has said that after the elections, he will "negotiate" with Israel about the disengagement. If this is true, it will negate the unilateral nature of the withdrawal, leading to an increase in support for the plan among Israelis.
On the other hand, negotiations with the PA over the disengagement plan are likely to delay its implementation.
Blair expressed his acceptance of Israel's refusal to take part in the Middle East conference he is planning in London this coming February. Sharon explained that Israel appreciates Blair's efforts in convening the conference, "which is designed to help the Palestinians implement the necessary reforms towards their democratization and to grant economic aid to the Palestinians." Sharon continued that as "it deals with Palestinian issues exclusively, we have decided, together with the British, that there is no need for Israeli participation."