Bush to Meet Israeli Prime Minister in December

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, November 22, 2001

Bush to Meet Israeli Prime Minister in December

U.S. President George W. Bush will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Washington early next month, the White House said Wednesday.

U.S. President George W. Bush will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Washington early next month, the White House said Wednesday.

"President Bush will welcome Israeli Prime Minister Sharon to the White House for a working visit December 3-4, 2001," the WhiteHouse said in a statement.

The United States and Israel share common interests in many areas, including the international campaign against terrorism and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East, the statement said.

Bush will discuss bilateral and regional issues with Sharon, itsaid.

Sharon's visit was announced Wednesday followed a meeting of Bush and two key players in the Middle East peace effort, retired Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni and Assistant Secretary of State William Burns. Zinni and Burns depart Sunday for the region to meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, with the goal of obtaining a lasting cease-fire.