Sharon challenges Washington

Egyptian Foreign Minister Maher said he asserted to US ambassador in Cairo David Welch the seriousness of the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israeli premier Ariel Sharon challenges the whole world, Washington in particular, Maher said in statements following his meeting with Welch late Tuesday.

Maher told Welch he was waiting for the US response to such challenge.

The top diplomat expressed belief that the US, in its capacity as a peace sponsor, can stop Sharon's acts.

Maher said he asked Welch to convey such a clear-cut message to Washington, and Welch promised to deliver the message to the US administration.