Sharon allies promote new party as peacemaker

Ariel Sharon’s main allies launched their election campaign today, saying the prime minister’s new centrist party would push for a final agreement with the Palestinians and the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Sharon’s party, formed yesterday when he seceded from the hard-line Likud, gained instant support across Israel. Polls indicated the party would muster enough votes in elections to propel Sharon back into the premier’s seat.