NEW YORK, April 19 (UPI) -- Former President Bill Clinton Monday endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and return it to the Palestinians.
Clinton appeared at the end of a two-hour panel discussion focusing on peace between Israelis and Palestinians sponsored by the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation, Columbia University, New York University, and Tel Aviv University. The discussion was held at The Waldorf-Astoria in New York.
"Sharon says he wants to have this withdrawal from the Gaza," he said, referring to last week's announcement at the White House. "I think it's quite a good thing."
Clinton explained he has long thought, "If Israel didn't trust the particular people it had been dealing with, but the general commitments that had been made before still make sense in the security of the state, if they can make the moves unilaterally and not undermine their security, why not do it to continue to show good faith and to show that there is no long term desire to dominate or occupy your neighbors?"
But, he said, it is only good, "if it works to reengage the Israelis and the Palestinians and the larger Arab community."
