Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, looking for new coalition partners Tuesday in the wake of Monday's night parliament defeat, ruled out suggestions that he either support a nation-wide referendum over his Gaza Strip disengagement plan or move for early elections.
Before his defeat, Sharon vowed to bring the plan to the parliament on October 25.
On Tuesday, Sharon discussed the referendum and early election options during talks with Israel's Justice Minister Yosef Lapid. The latter suggested that the prime minister weigh the possibility of a plebiscite, if settler leaders pledged to abide by and accept the results, Haaretz reported.
Sharon said he opposed holding a referendum. He also told Lapid that he opposed early elections because, "they won't change a thing." (albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
