Terror must be curbed, says Sharon
צילום: ערוץ 22
'Abbas' policy boosting terrorists'
Prime Minister Sharon criticizes Palestinian leader in meeting with Jordanian foreign minister; says Abbas "must start eliminating terror groups"
TEL AVIV - Terror groups are certain to strengthen in light of current policies adopted by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, and his intention to avoid confronting terrorists, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says.
"We'll give Abu Mazen (Abbas) every opportunity but it's important to know where he's headed. He has to start eliminating terror organizations," said Sharon in his meeting with Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Mulki.
A political agreement with radical Islamic groups such as the Hamas or Islamic Jihad would not make them disappear, Sharon said.
"They will not give up terror activity," he said. "Therefore, the more we progress in the (peace) process…we'll be hostages of those organizations. We are very interested in making peace, but it depends on the other side, too."
Syria, along with Iran and the HIzbullah, constitutes the gravest threat to Abbas' regime, Sharon said, and added that decisive action must be taken to include the HIzbullah in the list of terror organizations.
Sharon added that he's determined to implement the disengagement plan, but said he prefers to carry it out in coordination with the Palestinians.
Sharon calls for greater anti-terror cooperation
The Jordanian foreign minister said he was very glad to be meeting with Sharon.
"Today, when we renew our relations in the most effective manner…I arrive here with the message that we must continue on the path of peace," he said. "Nothing can bring security and prosperity to all of us, except for peace."
Mulki said he hopes nothing will stop the peace process, and also expressed his hope for an end to terror attacks.
Sharon, however, said he was disappointed that wide sectors of Jordanian society are still boycotting Israel and those dealing with it.
"Professional associations still oppose any ties with Israel, which makes the promotion of relations between the two countries more difficult," he said.
Sharon also stressed the importance of Jordanian action against terrorists and against fund transfers earmarked for Palestinian terror groups.
"It is important to tighten cooperation in this area in particular and in the war on terrorism in general," he said.
