Bush Congratulates Sharon on VictoryU.S. President George W. Bush called Ariel Sharon on Tuesday and congratulated him on his election victory shortly after incumbent Ehud Barak conceded defeat in the Israeli prime ministerial election.Bush told Sharon he looked forward to working with him on peace issues, the White House said. "The president told Prime Minister-elect Sharon he looked forward to working with him, especially with regard to advancing peace and stability in the region," White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said. "He also extended best wishes to losing Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who had worked closely with former President Clinton. Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell urged restraint in the Middle East following Tuesday's Israeli prime ministerial election. Speaking to reporters following a meeting with British Foreign Minister Robin Cook, Powell urged leaders in the region "to refrain from any acts that would lead to violence. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |