Ariel Sharon urged the European Union to support the Palestinian Prime Minister

The head of the Israeli government Ariel Sharon urged the European Union to support Yasir Arafat as the Palestinian leader, but the Prime Minister of Mahmoud Abbas, ITAR-TASS reports.

In anticipation of his trip to Europe, starting on Sunday, Sharon gave an interview to the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera . He emphasized that the active contacts of European leaders with the Arafat undermine the Palestinian leadership of the Abbas - a politician who adheres to more moderate views, and, thereby, restrain progress in the Middle East settlement.

Arafat, the Israeli leader noted, "is still strong enough, he controls most of the Palestinian armed forces and finance."

Sharon pointed out that he was ready to promote the authority of the abbas by releasing the Palestinian prisoners, except for those who "have blood on their hands."

According to the Prime Minister of Israel, the announcement of a number of Palestinian radical groups of a temporary ceasefire indicates solely that they need to regroup and restore forces after crushing strokes inflicted by Israeli troops. It is necessary that the Palestinian authorities begin an active struggle against terrorists, Sharon pointed out.

After returning from the European tour, Sharon is expected to meet again with the abbas to discuss the ways to advance the peace plan "Roadmap".