Sharon's Policies cause of continued bloodshed

Egyptian Civil Affairs Minister Jamil El-Tarifi asserted late Monday those Israeli premier Ariel Sharon's policies were the real cause of the continued bloodshed in the region.

BBC TV quoted Tarifi as reiterating his personal opposition to attacks on civilians.

"The Israeli government was currently deceiving Israeli civilians who started to reject aggressions against the Palestinians," he said.

"Ending the Israeli occupation would be the key to peace and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis," Tarifi said.

"A third party should intervene to help break the current cycle of violence," said the Minister.

We appreciate the European role and appeal for international protection for Palestinians, Tarifi concluded.