Monday, June 9, 2003
I kind of wonder about Berlusconi. My perception is that the Italian electorate is pretty left-wing, but Berlusconi is doing the right thing here, and with regard to the War. It's nice to read about a European leader who seems to get it.
Italian PM in Israel, no talks with Palestinians
Berlusconi met Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Jerusalem shortly after arriving in Israel. They were due to hold a news conference after their talks.
Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas's office said Berlusconi, whose country is about to take over the European Union's rotating presidency, had decided not to meet Abbas after the new premier insisted he also see Arafat.
Sharon has avoided receiving foreign leaders whose visits include a meeting with Arafat, who Israel and the United States say is behind Palestinian violence. Arafat denies the charge.
''Mr Berlusconi cancelled his meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas because Abbas insisted the guest also meet with Arafat,'' Abbas's office said in a statement.
The Italian Embassy in Israel and the Italian government did not immediately comment. Arafat is holed up in his devastated headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
