PM SHARON MEETS WITH US ENVOYS [DISCUSSES CONCEPT HE WILL NOT DISCUSS WITH
CABINET]
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Thursday, 19 February, 2004

[IMRA: It should be noted that Prime Minister Sharon has apparently decided
that he will not seek the approval of either his government or the Knesset
of the retreat "concept" before following up on this "concept" with the rest
of the world.]

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon met this morning (Thursday), 19.2.04, with US
National Security Council and State Department envoys in order to present
the principles of the disengagement plan. The meeting lasted for
approximately three hours and was held in a very good atmosphere; the
discussions were positive.

Prime Minister Sharon presented the reasons that led Israel to initiate such
a move, as well as the main concepts upon which the disengagement plan is
based. The Prime Minister reiterated that Israel is committed to US
President George Bush's vision and stressed that the roadmap is the only
diplomatic plan acceptable to Israel
( www.israel-mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH0o030 and
www.israel-mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH0neq0 ).

The sides agreed to continue an intensive dialogue in the coming period
ahead of Prime Minister Sharon's visit to Washington.