Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon has postponed his trip to the United States set for next month, Israeli officials said.
Sharon was planned to visit Flodrida on Sept. 9, the day before a primary election for the Democratic candidate for governor. Some Democrats said Sharon's presence would give a boost to incumbent Republican Gov. Jeb Bush, the U.S. president's brother.
The New York Times reported Thursday intense criticism of the trip by Democratic Party members, because the itinerary for the trip highlighted Sharon's appearance at an event alongside Governor Bush.
Senior officials in the Israeli Foreign Ministry had warned against the trip because such a visit to Bush on the eve of the Florida election could be interpreted as intervention in domestic politics.
The Israeli government gave no explanation for the postponement.
David Duek, a spokesman for the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles, said Florida politics had nothing to do with the decision to delay the trip. Sharon was also scheduled to visit California, AP reported.
"His agenda is too full and he felt that he had to attend to matters of state in Israel," Duek said. Douek said there are no immediate plans to reschedule the trip. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
