Aaron Lerner Date: 23 March 2003

Israel Radio diplomatic correspondent Yoni Ben Menachem reported on the noon
news program today that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told the Cabinet at
today's meeting that Israel would hold negotiations over the Road Map only
after the Iraq war was over.

It should be noted that there has recently been some concern over what
appears to be a change in position regarding the status of the Road Map that
is to be presented to Israel and the PA by the US. Israel understands from
previous assurances that the Road Map has the status of a "draft" that is
subject to revision while recent statements from Washington appear to take
the position that the Road Map being presented is not subject to significant
revisions.

Israel has very serious reservations regarding the draft of the Road Map and
the leadership of the entire coalition that forms the government, including
Shinui leader Minister of Justice Yosef Lapid, backs the Israeli position
requiring revisions to the Road Map to address these reservations.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
pager 03-6106666 subscriber 4811
Website: http://www.imra.org.il