Sharon pledges to free prisoners

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon pledged co-operation today with newly elected Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas “so long as we do not risk our security”. He promised to release more Palestinian prisoners, but demanded that Abbas quickly crack down on militants.

“There is one thing on which we will not make any compromises, not now and not in the future,” Sharon told a mostly supportive Jewish audience, “and that is our security.”

Sharon told a convention of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobby in Washington, that he has paid a heavy political price for supporting peace with the Palestinians and the dismantlement of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the Gaza strip.

“We see great opportunities in the election of Chairman Abbas. We hope he will be able to lead his people and create a democratic, law-abiding society,” and break down terrorist organisations, Sharon said.

“Israel doesn’t intend to lose this opportunity,” he added.

Sharon clearly sought to strike a conciliatory tone ahead of Abbas’ visit to Washington this week. Abbas arrives later today, meets with members of Congress tomorrow and with President George Bush on Thursday.

“We are willing to help Chairman Abbas as much as we can as long as we do not risk our security,” Sharon said. ”That is the red line.”

Sharon did not specify what he meant by co-operation with Abbas, but the two sides are gradually working out deals for border security and other issues that could pave the way for an eventual peace deal.

Sharon also promised to ask Israel’s parliament to release 400 more Palestinian prisoners upon his return to Israel. Sharon’s government has released 500 already. The fate of prisoners is a frequent area of friction between Israelis and Palestinians.

Abbas was elected in December to succeed Yasser Arafat as the Palestinian leader. His election has opened a window for negotiation that both Israel and the Bush administration had considered closed during the last years of Arafat’s life.

Sharon said Israel is already taking steps to help the economic and humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories, where unemployment is high.

“We are ready to do more,” Sharon said.

“I appreciate Chairman Abbas’ decision to condemn violence and terrorism. With this approach, it can be a partner in implementing the roadmap and to move the process forward,” Sharon said. “But his statement must be translated into real actions on the ground.”

Sharon sounded a hawkish note almost from the start of his 25-minute address. He called Jerusalem “the eternal, united and undivided capital of the state of Israel and the Jewish people forever and ever.” He was interrupted by sustained applause before he got the entire, provocative statement out.

Palestinians also claim portions of Jerusalem as holy, and the question of whether or how to divide the ancient city is perhaps the most difficult obstacle to a final peace deal that would create two separate states.