Bush and Sharon Meeting in Washington - 2002-06-09

Ariel Sharon, the Prime Minister of Israel, has arrived in Washington for discussions with President Bush. On the eve of these talks, which are set to take place on Monday at the White House, Mr. Sharon has outlined his views on the prospects for peace with the Palestinians. In statements published in today's New York Times, Mr. Sharon said that he would not enter political processes until terrorism is halted. The Israeli Prime Minister reiterated his support for a long-term interim agreement with the Palestinians. Mr. Sharon also rejected the proposal to withdraw to pre-war borders in exchange for peace and recognition by the Arab world. He stated that Israel will not return to the vulnerable borders of 1967 and will not give up any part of Jerusalem. He also suggested that a peace conference be convened with the participation of like-minded Arab countries. Mr. Sharon's visit to the United States follows two days of talks between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and President Bush. After meeting with Mubarak, Mr. Bush stated that he is not yet ready to announce a specific timeline for the establishment of a Palestinian state, but he emphasized that efforts to establish such a state should begin as soon as possible. The U.S. President noted that an independent Palestinian state would give hope to the Palestinian people.