Rice meets Sharon, comments on Mideast, China
(19 Jun 2005) SHOTLIST 1. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon shaking hands with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice 2. SOUNDBITE (Hebrew with English translation) Ariel Sharon, Israeli Prime Minister: "This step is a very difficult point for Israel (disengagement), a very difficult one, but we will carry out the disengagement exactly in accordance with the resolution of the government and the Knesset. I wish to thank you Madame Secretary of State for the unyielding support of the US for the disengagement plan. I believe that a smooth and successful implementation of the plan in coordination with the Palestinians, will help energise the political process under the 'road map'." 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State: ''The United States' commitment to Israel and its security remains strong. We will support Israel as it implements the disengagement from the Gaza and parts of the West Bank. A successful disengagement will enhance the security of Israel and it should give a sense of confidence and trust between the Israelis and Palestinians as they look to a better future. Thank you Prime Minister.'' 4. Wide of Sharon and Rice, they leave 5. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice walking up to lectern for press conference 6. Wide shot of Rice in press conference 7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State: "Much more work will still be needed to be done in coming months for the disengagement to succeed and the United States will remain actively involved in every step of the way, but let me say that I found the leaders on both sides to be focused, their governments to be focused on what must be done and I think that there is a good spirit of cooperation between them." 8. Cameras 9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State: "I think everybody knows our concerns about arms sales to China, particularly arms sales to China with countries with which we have strong defence cooperation relationships as we do with Israel. I appreciate that the Israeli government has been working on this issue, I discussed it also with Defence minister (Shaul) Mofaz last night and I believe that the Israelis now understand our concerns and I'm certain that as good partners can that we can come to some kind of resolution to allow us to proceed." 10. Rice leaving press conference STORYLINE: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Sunday that Israeli and Palestinian leaders were committed to working together to ensure Israel's upcoming withdrawal from the Gaza Strip takes place peacefully and helps foster future peace moves. Rice spoke at the end of her two-day trip to the region, where she met separately with leaders from both sides to pressure them to put aside their disagreements and cooperate on the pullout, which is to begin in less than two months. If the withdrawal, which Rice repeatedly called "a historic step," can be completed peacefully, it would build trust that can create the conditions for renewed peace efforts, she said. Rice said much work needed to be done in the coming months but added she thought there was "a good spirit of cooperation" between the leaders. Rice spoke at a news conference after two days of meetings with top officials from both sides intended to spur cooperation on the withdrawal. Earlier on Sunday, Rice met with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Sharon said that Israel's pullout from the Gaza Strip, if carried out orderly and calmly, could energise the peace process and revive the long-stalled ''road map'' peace plan. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: / ap_archive Facebook: / aparchives Instagram: / apnews You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...
