Jordan Times
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
Muasher criticizes
Sharon's statements on roadmap
By Khalid Dalal
AMMAN, September 7 - Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher on Monday criticized
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's statements Sunday that the roadmap was
“dead” and that it was replaced by his disengagement plan.
“[Sharon's statements] are a major concern to Jordan, which supports the roadmap
in order to help end the Israeli occupation and establish a viable Palestinian
state,” Muasher told a press conference on Monday. News reports quoted Sharon as
telling his Cabinet that the roadmap “will not be on the agenda until
Palestinians dismantle terrorist organizations.”
He said he expected his ministers to convince the international community with
the disengagement plan as an alternative to the roadmap.
Muasher reiterated that the blueprint, which envisions an independent
Palestinian state by 2005, enjoys regional and international backing.
“Therefore, no one has the right to back off on commitment to implement the
roadmap,” Muasher said.
Sharon also asked his ministers and official spokespersons not to refer to the
roadmap and not to discuss it with others.
“Anyone suggesting we approach foreign parties with the roadmap plan would
greatly harm Israel,” he was quoted as saying.