Sharon ready to take ‘painful steps’ for peace

PRIME Minister Ariel Sharon said yesterday Israel is prepared to make “painful compromises for peace”, and has begun co-ordination with Palestinians on Israel’s planned pull-out from the Gaza Strip.

However, violence could undermine the tentative steps being taken towards peace. As Mr Sharon spoke, Palestinian security officials reported Israeli troops shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian stone thrower.

Addressing the Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem, Mr Sharon said last week’s summit showed there can be progress toward peace if violence is ended.