Prime Minister Ariel Sharon this afternoon (Wednesday), 7.4.2004, spoke with
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who had phoned in order to express his support
for the disengagement plan and the step that Israel is taking.  UK Prime
Minister Blair added that he intends to act within the international
community to enlist support for the plan.  Prime Minister Sharon thanked his
British counterpart for his support.
Prime Minister Sharon said that he decided to proceed with the disengagement
plan because there is no partner on the Palestinian side who is ready to
implement the roadmap.  The Prime Minister noted that terror is continuing
without the Palestinian Authority (PA) taking any measures to halt it; he
stressed that the key to dialogue with the Palestinians is the absolute
cessation of terror, violence and incitement and the implementation of
reforms by the PA.
UK Prime Minister Blair said that the disengagement plan needs to lead to
the international community becoming involved in improving conditions in the
PA and making it clear to it that security reforms must be carried out and
that terror must be fought.
The two leaders agreed to continue their dialogue after they visit
Washington.