Bush Meets with Ariel Sharon Today - 2002-06-10

President Bush met today at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to discuss establishing peace in the Middle East. The talks between the American and Israeli leaders come as President Bush's administration seeks to propose measures to end violence between Israelis and Palestinians and to resume peace talks between them. This is the sixth round of discussions between American and Israeli leaders in the past fifteen months, following a two-day negotiation between President Bush and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at Camp David. The American president stated he wants to hear both sides' opinions before presenting his proposals for establishing peace in the Middle East. Mr. Sharon has stated that Palestinian attacks on Israel must cease before any serious negotiations can begin. He also holds Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader, responsible for the ongoing suicide bombings in Israel, claiming that Mr. Arafat is not a partner for peace. According to Israeli media, Mr. Sharon tells President Bush that the time has come for Mr. Arafat to step aside. President Mubarak has urged President Bush to set a timeline for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Mr. Bush says he is not currently ready for such a move, but he believes immediate steps should be taken toward achieving this goal.