Sharon Promises to End Operation in West Bank

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Sharon Promises to End Operation in West Bank

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Sharon Promises to End Operation in West Bank

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said late Saturday night that Israel will make "every effort" to end the Israeli Defense Forces' operation in the West Bank as quickly as possible, according to Israeli Radio report.

Sharon made the promise during his phone talks with U.S. President George W. Bush Saturday night.

Bush called Sharon late Saturday night and demanded that Sharon withdraw the Israel Defense Forces from the Palestinian Authority "without delay."

Sharon promised Bush that Israel will finish the operation quickly, but the campaign was taking time due to the constraints on a military operation in an urban area and the precautions being taken so as not to harm Palestinian citizens.

Sharon told his U.S. counterpart that Israel understood the American request.

During their conversation, Bush reiterated his friendship toward Israel.

Earlier Saturday, Bush, at a news conference with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, called on Israel to withdraw without delay from Palestinian cities it has occupied in its military campaign

and insisted again that the Palestinian leadership order an immediate ceasefire and crack down on terrorist activity.

Israeli troops started their massive offensive against the Palestinian controlled areas last Friday. Israeli troops have killed more than 100 and arrested 1,100 Palestinians in the over-one-week-long military operation.

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