Tight security measures are expected as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon arrives in London Sunday night for talks with his British counterpart Tony Blair.
Protests against Sharon's visit are expected from British Muslim groups as well as British Jews who oppose the Israeli leader's policies towards the Palestinians.
According to The Independent on Sunday, demonstrations are being planned outside Downing Street during Sharon's meeting with Blair by groups such as the Muslim Association of Britain, and Jews for Justice for Palestinians.
Even before departing for the UK, the Israeli Prime Minister accused European leaders of damaging the peace process by maintaining contacts with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
"He (Arafat) got all those telephone calls from leaders, mostly from Europe, and he receives messages from ministers of foreign affairs and others," Sharon said in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.
"Every act of this nature only postpones the progress in the process," he said. "Most European countries are doing that. By that they are undermining (Palestinian Prime Minister) Abu Mazen." (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
