The head of the Israeli “Shin Bet” security service Avi Dichter has traveled to the United States for talks with American officials, Israel Radio reported on Tuesday.
The Americans invited Dichter to Washington to present a detailed survey of the Palestinian conflict, according to an Israeli point of view. According to the Hebrew Maariv daily, Dichter will also explain to the US officials the reasons behind the Israeli objection to a temporary cease-fire with Palestinian groups.
Dichter has already met with National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice and is expected to meet with senior intelligence officials in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)later on this week.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Colin Powell may visit Israel on Friday to try and get Israelis and Palestinians to stay on track with the 'road map' peace plan following the latest violence, Israel Radio on Monday quoted a senior US official as saying.
Powell met earlier that day with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon's bureau chief Dov Weisglass. The US Secretary of State is also scheduled to meet with representatives of the Quartet in Jordan next Sunday. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
