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Prime Minister Ariel Sharon met with Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson, who arrived in Israel for the dedication of the new Yad Vashem museum.
Prime Minister Sharon briefed Swedish Prime Minster Persson on the situation with the Palestinians and emphasized that: “Disengagement is not the Roadmap. We hope that it will pave the way to dealing with the Roadmap. However, in order for this to occur, the Palestinians must first and foremost, vigorously fight terrorism, dismantle the terrorist organizations and cease the incitement. We desire peace and are willing to make painful concessions for it, but at no stage, either now or in the future, will Israel agree to compromise on Israeli security and the security of its people. We will not compromise on the struggle against terrorism, and no pressure on this matter will change that.”
Swedish Prime Minister Persson updated Prime Minister Sharon on his talks with Abu Mazen and Abu Ala and said that he believes that the Palestinians understand that without eliminating terrorism there will be no diplomatic progress.
Prime Minister Sharon raised the issue of the disappearance of Raoul Wallenberg and told Swedish Prime Minister Persson of his conversation with Raoul Wallenberg’s niece. The Swedish Prime Minister said that responsibility for this matter lies with the Swedish government and it is doing everything possible to resolve the matter, including holding an indirect dialogue with Russia.
The two leaders also discussed bilateral issues, as well as the issues of Syria and Hezbollah.
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