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Israel-Palestine | ||
Israel claims Blair phoned to support Sharon withdrawal | ||
2004-04-08 | ||
The Israeli government claimed last night that Tony Blair telephoned the Israeli leader, Ariel Sharon, to support his planned withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories.
Downing Street and the Foreign Office were yesterday caught on the hop by the Israeli account of the conversation with the British prime minister. Number 10 was last night reluctant to get into a tit-for-tat argument with the Israeli government over what Mr Blair regarded as a confidential discussion. A Downing Street spokesman said: "They spoke today and discussed the latest developments in Israel and the occupied territories. We are not commenting on the detail of what was discussed in the prime minister's confidential phone call." He added: "But we would welcome Israel's disengagement from the occupied territories subject to seeing the final detail of any proposals, and provided it is consistent with the [US-sponsored] road A statement issued by Mr Sharon's office said: "British prime minister Blair called to voice his support for the disengagement plan and his appreciation for the step Israel is taking. Blair added that he intends to work toward enlisting support for the plan among the international community."
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Posted by:Steve White |
#2 IMHO the Israeli statement was meant to make Blair take taht position publicly, or back off of it. There comes a time when you stand by your friends and allies (in principle if not name) or you don't. See for example: Turkey |
Posted by: Frank G 2004-04-08 11:52:32 AM |
#1 Tony is coming to visit this weekend. However, is it me or can't the Israelis keep their mouths shut for a few days??? Something also happened recently w/Syria, didn't it? |
Posted by: Anonymous2U 2004-04-08 12:52:50 AM |