Impose peace and I call poll: Sharon

The Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, has warned President George Bush that if Washington tries to impose a peace deal he will call early elections, thereby freezing the peace process.

The threat emerged as Mr Bush and officials were poised to consider a strategy for the Middle East, including the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Mr Sharon told Mr Bush at the White House this week that if countries tried to impose such a state he would call elections, which would paralyse diplomatic activity for months.

Mr Sharon said he envisioned a Palestinian state only after a long negotiating process and an end to all attacks against Israelis.