Sharon praises Palestinian efforts to halt violence

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said he is very satisfied with efforts by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to halt violence, and that he is interested in renewing long-stalled peace negotiations.

Sharon and Abbas aides met yesterday to prepare the agenda for a summit. It was the first meeting of Israeli and Palestinian officials since Abbas won a January 9 presidential election. Abbas’ victory has set the stage for renewing peace talks that have been stalled since fighting erupted four years ago.