(New York Times) Steven R. Weisman - The Bush administration, hoping to strengthen Prime Minister Sharon in the Israeli turmoil after the Gaza withdrawal, is urging allies of the U.S. to refrain from pressing Israel to make new concessions to Palestinians, senior American officials said this week. The officials said President Bush and his top aides had begun emphasizing that the first priority in the Middle East was for Israel to complete the pullout from Gaza and for PA Chairman Abbas to demonstrate control over security there. "Realistically, what happens now in Gaza is very important. We have to see whether a stop can be put on terrorism in Gaza," said a senior administration official.
2005-09-05 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive