On Sharon's diplomatic campaign

Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon has asserted that the diplomatic activities carried out by Israel in Russia and other countries in Asia and Europe are being carried out through high-level coordination with the US administration.

In an interview with Israel Radio on Tuesday, Sharon said Israel "tries to break the siege imposed on it by certain countries," besides it (Israel) is careful to establish firm relations with the world two major countries, namely the US and Russia, thereby to ensure the two countries' backing for Israeli positions and to develop Israel's security and military capabilities.

Concerning the Israeli position toward the Balkan crisis, Sharon said Israel tries to play a vital and important role in this crisis through coordination with the US. He alleged that Israel concentrates its interests on what he described as humanitarian matters.