Israeli FM says that West Bank will be annexed

Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon has announced that Israel will annex the occupied West Bank's lands, which will not be given over to the Palestinian government if it announces the establishment of an independent state.

In a statement he made to the French paper "Le Monde," Sharon noted that he would explain this matter to French officials.

Sharon added "All that is in our hands will remain in case of an announcement of an independent Palestinian state."

He added that should such a state be established as a result of negotiations with Israel, it should not gain control of its forces and should not enjoy an independent foreign policy.