Some interesting stuff here.


Jerusalem Post - Sharon answers Bush: Palestinian statehood is up to our cabinet

(in full) In a lengthy speech introducing his new cabinet to the Knesset, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon confirmed today that the coalition guidelines do not require ministers to support Palestinian statehood.


But such a proposal would be put to a vote if a peace agreement is ever reached, Sharon said.


He said Israel was ready for "painful compromise" to make peace but would not concede on essential security matters.


"A political process for a real peace has to be based on lessons learned," Sharon said. "The people of israel is a peace-loving people. To achieve peace there is a readiness to make painful compromise."


However the Palestinian statehood advocated by US President George W. Bush as part of a wider peace plan that also calls for Palestinian reform, is "a matter of controversy in the coalition," Sharon said.


Sharon pledged such a proposal would be brought to a cabinet vote if it emerged as part of a peace deal. His remark confirmed reports that he had lured the right-wing National Union into the coalition by backing off an earlier commitment to insist that ministers support agreeing to Palestinian statehood in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.


Sharon also promised to improve ties between Israeli Jews and Arabs.


"We will always live alongside each other. The conflict hurts us all, and I intend to open a new chapter of Israeli relations with its Arab citizens," he said.


Turning to other issues, Sharon said he would also strive to boost immigration to Israel, to continue settlement building "throughout the country" and to expand Jerusalem.


Sharon also promised to better distribute the nation's military burden, alluding to cancel draft deferments for religious men. He also drew the ire of Orthodox backbenchers for alluding to the difficulties faced by some Israelis on religious issues.


He further pledged to "better distribute" the burden of taxes.


Sharon expressed pride in his 23-member cabinet, but criticized the Labor Party for refusing to join. He accused Labor of refusing to "even hold serious negotiations" to form a national unity coalition.