Sharon signals willingness to compromise ( 2003-11-13 14:58) (Agencies)
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel
Sharon said Wednesday he is prepared to make compromises for the sake of peace
but would not make concessions on security issues.
Speaking at an Israeli military base, Sharon referred only in general terms
to the three years of conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. He did not
comment on the new Palestinian government, headed by Ahmed Qureia, that was
sworn in earlier Wednesday.
"We are prepared to make painful compromises for the sake of real peace,"
Sharon said, but ruled out compromises over security. He did not elaborate, but
insisted the Palestinians must crack down on violent groups.
One lesson from the three years of violence, he said, was that "the
Palestinians have come to realize that they cannot force us to surrender through
violence, terrorism and incitement."
Palestinians contend Israel's military measures and restrictions are
responsible for the continuing violence.
Sharon hotly rejected international criticism of Israel's handling of the
conflict.
"Those who reject Israel's right to use force to defend itself like any
normal nation are also those who deny Israel's right to exist in an independent,
democratic, free state in its ancestral homeland," he said, accusing Israel's
critics of adopting "a new form of anti-Semitism."
Sharon spoke before more than 1,500 people — air force personnel and
activists from the United Israel Appeal-Jewish Federations of Canada, who were
visiting the Palmahim air force base on Israel's coastline south of Tel Aviv.
During his speech, Sharon appealed to the Canadians to increase immigration
to Israel.
"The future of Israel depends on as many immigrants that can come over here,"
he said. "With all the problems here, everyone has a roof over his
head."
