Following Gaza referendum defeat: Sharon cancels Washington visit

Published May 9th, 2004 - 03:00 GMT

Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told the cabinet Sunday that he would not be visiting the United States on May 17 as planned, Israel Radio reported.

Sharon has been publicly equivocating about his trip, announcing last week that he wouldn't go and then reversing his decision the same day.

The Israeli leader had been scheduled to fly to Washington to talk with US President George W. Bush and speak at a conference sponsored by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel lobby group. Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will speak at the conference instead of Sharon, Israel Radio reported. (Albawaba.com)