Military

DATE=06/12/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BLAIR / SHARON (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-290862

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon have met in London to discuss the Middle East crisis. V-O-A correspondent Michael Drudge reports from London.

TEXT: The British and Israeli leaders had no comment for waiting reporters following their hour-long meeting at Mr. Blair's official residence at Number-10 Downing Street.

Before the meeting, a British spokesman said the prime ministers would be reviewing Mr. Sharon's just-completed visit to Washington.

A senior Israeli official says during the Washington visit, Mr. Sharon urged President Bush not to push Israel into a peace accord that would create a Palestinian state.

The official says Mr. Sharon warned the president that his government would collapse and he would have to call new elections if a Palestinian state is established while Palestinian terrorism continues.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Colin Powell said President Bush expects to announce a plan soon that would enhance Israeli security while achieving Palestinian statehood.

In London, Mr. Blair's spokesman says the British leader spoke Wednesday with King Abdullah of Jordan ahead of the meeting with Mr. Sharon.

King Abdullah spoke to the European Parliament Wednesday. He called on Europe to help lead a global diplomatic effort to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Signed)

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