Rice, Sharon meet at ranch
U.S. Secretary of state pushes prime minister to coordinate upcoming disengagement with Palestinian Authority; Sharon reportedly "very pleased" with session. Following meeting, Rice heads for surprise trip to Beirut
SYCAMORE RANCH - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met for three-and-a-half hours over breakfast Friday at Sharon’s private ranch in the Negev.
Officials in the Prime Minister's Office said the meeting was "positive," and said Rice pushed Sharon to coordinate the Gaza disengagement plan with the Palestinians.
Aides said Rice was also receptive to Israel’s demand that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas fight Palestinian terror groups.
“Rice understands, no less than we do, the importance of demanding Abu Mazen (Abbas) act against terror groups,” one source said.
Following the meeting, Rice left for a surprise visit to Beirut where she is expected to meet with President Emile Lahoud Friday afternoon.
Jokes during breakfast
During the meeting, attended by American and Israeli officials, both teams had an Israeli breakfast together, comprising juices, eggs, salads, and herring. The breakfast session was reportedly peppered with jokes, particularly from Sharon's advisor Dov Weisglass, who even quipped about his mother-in-law.
During the meal, Sharon told Rice he attaches great importance to "peace education" in the Arab world.
"The problem is the Arab world has not yet recognized the Jews' right for a state in the Land of Israel," he said, and noted that Israel is not included in maps even at countries that have signed peace agreements with the Jewish State.
The Americans, meanwhile, were interested in finding out more information about agriculture in the Negev and asked the prime minister about ways of transporting water to the area, prompting a Sharon explanation on the question.
The prime minister noted he also discussed the issue of water with the Palestinians and said he is in favor of sharing resources.
Sharon also raised the issue of constructing homes for Palestinian refugees in areas Israel intends to evacuate, with Rice responding she will be meeting Abbas Saturday where both sides will have plenty to talk about.
Visit aimed to calm tensions
Rice’s last-minute visit to Israel was meant to calm tensions in the region, especially following recent terrorist attacks, and to show American involvement in events here, with an eye on aiding the disengagement program.
Later, Rice is expected to meet with Palestinian leaders and discuss a range of issues, particularly those pertaining to the upcoming pullout.
