Terror, Iraq and 'Full Security'.(Interview)

Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon came to Washington last week for his eighth White House visit with President George W. Bush. Bush is

anxious to promote the so-called Roadmap to peace in the Middle East, which so far has produced a temporary ceasefire on the part of militant Palestinian groups. At their meeting the president urged Israel to make some concessions in order to advance the peace process. In an interview with NEWSWEEK's Lally Weymouth, Sharon talked about his goals. Excerpts:

WEYMOUTH: How did your meeting with President Bush go?

SHARON: I think the meeting went well. I would say there are close relations, close strategic cooperation and a lot of friendship. That does not mean that we always agree about everything. We look with deep appreciation at the steps taken by President Bush.

Are you speaking about Iraq?

Bush understood the importance of taking steps against tyrannical regimes. I believe there are some problems at the present time, but I think history will look at [the Iraq war] as one of the most important steps taken since World War II.

Are you satisfied with what Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen is doing to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure?