Sharon's election casts doubt over Israeli peace desire

Egypt's ambassador to the US Nabil Fahmy warned that a win by Israeli Hawk Ariel Sharon in February elections for Prime Minister would cast doubt upon Israel's desire for peace with Arabs.

Fahmy told editors and reporters at a luncheon at the Washington times: If the Israelis elect Sharon, people will wonder do the Israelis want peace?' " The perception of Sharon in the Arab world is much more negative than that of Barak," he said.

The Ambassador said it would be indeed difficult to reach a Palestinian Israeli agreement before February 6.

He refused to blame former US President Bill Clinton for the collapse of the peace process last year, noting, " He made a good faith effort."