Sharon at odds with Peres on peace moves

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today rejected a proposal that his foreign minister meet Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, saying there can be no negotiations as long as sporadic violence continues.

The move sparked an angry exchange with foreign minister Shimon Peres, suggesting a possible crack in the partnership between ideological rivals whose collaboration in recent months has been seen as key to keeping a lid on Israeli-Palestinian violence.