Tuesday, November 22nd 2005

IN what was described yesterday as an historic 45-minute meeting, Prime Minister Patrick Manning discussed security issues with Israel's outgoing Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at his official residence in Jerusalem.

The meeting took place less than 24 hours after the Israeli leader asked his country's President Moshe Katsav to dissolve Parliament for early elections in March next year.

A statement from Manning's Whitehall office in Port of Spain late yesterday said the two leaders discussed "several security matters including the protection of Trinidad and Tobago's borders in order to stem the flow of the illicit drugs and guns" in the country.

The meeting concluded with Sharon being "optimistic that bonds of friendship between Trinidad and Tobago and Israel will continue to grow", the statement added.

Manning also met yesterday with Israel's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Silvan Shalom.

They spoke about "strengthening ties" between the two nations, matters germane to activities at the United Nations and technical assistance as well as co-operation in agricultural and medical matters.

Manning also visited the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Memorial where he re-ignited the eternal flame in memory of holocaust victims and laid a wreath in a "moving and solemn" ceremony at the Hall of Remembrance, White-hall said.

Manning is scheduled to meet with President Katsav this morning.

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