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Bush, Sharon disagreed before talks began

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Wednesday, June 27, 2001

WASHINGTON Ñ The Bush administration has aired its disagreement with Israel over the future of talks with the Palestinians.

The administration wants Israel to launch political talks with the Palestinian Authority amid the violence of the Israeli-PA war. This includes the implementation of a complete freeze on Israeli construction in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The U.S. goal disputes that of Israel, which wants a complete end to Palestinian attacks before political talks resume between the Jewish state and the PA.

President George Bush voiced his policy during a Tuesday meeting with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in what diplomatic sources said was the first disagreement between the new administration and Sharon. Bush appeared uncomfortable as he discussed the policy before the meeting with Sharon.

"Is peace closer today than yesterday," Bush asked. "We believe the answer is yes."

For his part, Sharon pledged that Israel would not conduct negotiations with the Palestinians while the war continues. The prime minister cited Israeli casualties in Palestinian attacks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

"We would negotiate only if there is a full cessation of terror and violence," Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said.

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