08/02/2005

Israeli and Palestinian leaders announce Middle East ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, have announced a ceasefire, during talks in Egypt today.

Mr Sharon announced a cessation of military action against Palestinians and Mr Abbas announced an immediate ceasefire.

The announcement was made at a summit, hosted by Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, at the Sharm el-Sheikh resort and also attended by King Abdullah II of Jordan. It was the first time that Mr Sharon had met with Mr Abbas, since he succeeded the previous leader, Yasser Arafat, who died in November.

The summit followed a visit by the new US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, who encouraged both sides to discuss a possible peace agreement.

The establishment of two joint committees, to supervise the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails and the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from Palestinian areas of the West Bank, will also be discussed at the summit.

Both Mr Sharon and Mr Abbas are due to meet with President Bush for further discussions in Washington in the next few months.

(KMcA/SP)


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