Europe urges Sharon to work for peace

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Europe has given a cautious reaction to Ariel Sharon's landslide victory, with many countries urging him to continue the work begun by his predecessor Ehud Barak.

"It is the hope of the European Union that Ariel Sharon will keep the peace process alive and continue the dialogue according to the wishes of all the parties involved," Prime Minister Goran Persson of Sweden said in a statement on behalf of the EU.

But Norway -- a key player in Middle East peace accords -- expressed concerns that the victory of Sharon could spark more violence across the region.

"If Sharon carries out what was said during the election, there is every reason to fear what will happen," said Foreign Minister Thorbjoerm Jagland.

He added, however, that Sharon should be given a chance to establish his policy before he is judged.

IN-DEPTH Israel Election 2001   •  Overview   •  Key players   •  Political parties   •  Israel at-a-glance   •  Israel timeline   •  Portrait gallery   •  Maps   •  Video archive   •  News search   •  Related sites    VIDEO Ariel Sharon's victory speech (February 6) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) Ehud Barak's concession speech (February 6) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)     AUDIO Political analyst Chemi Shalev on what may happen to the peace process 393K/35 sec. AIFF or WAV sound

Israel's prime minister-elect has previously said he will not be bound by the 1993 Oslo peace accords between Israel and the Palestinians.

There was a gloomy tone to France's initial response to Sharon's victory.

Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine spoke of what he called missed opportunities under the defeated Barak.

He said: "One can only have a feeling of sadness when one thinks of the missed opportunities of the past months."

"Proposals were made, there were breakthroughs and I hope something will remain of all of that."

In September Vedrine was scathing of Sharon's controversial visit to a Jerusalem sanctuary holy to both Muslims and Jews. Many believe that sparked the current violence that has so far claimed nearly 400 lives -- the vast majority of them Palestinian.

"We will judge Sharon's policy according to deeds, so one has to wait for him to form a cabinet, to see what its action will be, to see what its parliamentary support will be, to see what policies it carries out," Vedrine said.

He added: "One should never give up because we have to continue trying to attain peace."

Other countries have expressed the hope that Sharon will continue efforts to find peace -- even though he has ruled out negotiations while Palestinian-Israeli violence continues.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said he has no doubt that is what most Israelis want.

"The Israeli people have made their choice and we will of course work with the person that they have chosen as prime minister," Cook told BBC radio.

"And I hope he will be willing to work with us and with the international community to take forward that peace process," Cook said.

"There is no doubting the fact that the majority of the people of Israel would like to see a peace settlement."

Similar sentiments were expressed by Germany.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder congratulated Sharon and urged him to complete the peace process of his predecessor.

"I hope that you and your government will manage to pursue and complete the peace process on the foundation of what has already been achieved," Schroeder said in a letter to Israel's new prime minister-elect.

The chancellor said the German Government would continue to work together with its European partners for a comprehensive, lasting and just peace in the region.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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European Union
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
French Foreign Ministry
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office
German government

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