Bush to Blair: Screw You, Israel Will Make No Concessions

Analysis: Aluf Benn on the 'road map' peace plan

By Aluf Benn, Haaretz Correspondent



At the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem last night, they marked a big "check" after the press conference at Camp David by U.S. President George Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The president stood by his promise to Ariel Sharon and rejected the proposal of his British guest to step up the pressure on Israel in an effort to fend off the growing criticism of the war in Iraq.

The paragraph on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was pushed to the sidelines of the press conference, and Bush reiterated, without overt enthusiasm, his commitment to the implementation of the "Road Map," without diverting an inch from his declaration two weeks ago.

Blair was forced to acknowledge his failure by commending his guest: "Very often it is forgotten that Bush is the first American president who expressed commitment to a two-state solution, an Israel sure in its security and a viable Palestinian state."

It seems that Bush made it clear to his guest that he is not pleased with the expression of any doubts regarding his commitment to a solution to the conflict, and that he did not think there was any reason to reimburse the British for their support with Israeli concessions.

On Thursday, Sharon met American Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer and, according to sources, the Palestinian issue and the Road Map were not raised. Kurtzer was accompanied by the American liaison to the Israel Defense Forces, General Charles Simpson, who briefed the Prime Minister on the developments of the offensive in Iraq.

Blair and British Foreign Minister Jack Straw issued excited statements in recent days about the nearing renewal of the peace process, after the publication of the Road Map. However, under the thin veneer of friendship to Israel, the British message was clear: After we deal with Saddam, or even while we are doing it, it will be the time for that other intransigent party in the area, Sharon.

Straw, in his role as the "bad cop," went out of his way to compare Israel to Iraq. Britain made it clear that they would use their influence in Washington so that the Road Map would be fully disclosed and so that Israel would be unable to present comments or amendments.

The British leadership found a willing ally in Washington - Secretary of State Colin Powell, who is tired of the disappointments and frustrations from Sharon. In an interview with Richard Cohen of the Washington Post, Powell spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming publication of the Road Map and the intention to bash the heads of the Israelis and Palestinians together. Do you have partners in the administration?, the journalist asked: "The President. I spoke to him about this 30 minutes ago. There are those who believe that he is into this issue only because of Tony Blair ... but he understands that the whole world expects him to do something in the Middle East after Iraq is taken care of."

At the Prime Minister's Office they say that Sharon does not oppose the implementation of the Road Map. On the contrary. He would like to push the diplomatic process when he has a Palestinian partner. The dispute revolves around the wording of the plan. Israel is demanding to present its comments on the Road Map before the official document is made public.

The following deal seems to be brewing: the plan will be presented officially following the swearing in of the new Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen and will not be presented on the diplomatic channel. This will grant it a binding effect. Israel would be able to present its comments, before the presentation, only if they are limited and fundamental.


http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/277949.html