Sharon says Gaza pull-out can 'energise' peace process

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said today that Israel’s pull-out from the Gaza Strip, if carried out orderly and calmly, could energise the peace process and revive the long-stalled “road map” peace plan.

Sharon spoke before meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who was in the region on a two-day visit intended to pressure the Israelis and the Palestinians to put aside their disagreements and co-operate on the withdrawal, which is to begin in less than two months.