Israel's Ariel Sharon heads to Washington for the first time as prime minister tomorrow to tell US President George W. Bush that violence must end before peace talks can resume with the Palestinians.
The right-wing former general, 73, received a White House invitation hours after taking office on March 7. The two leaders are expected to meet at the White House for an hour on Tuesday, precisely three months after Bush took office.
Aides say Mr Sharon aims to develop a strong "working relationship" with the United States, Israel's closest ally. Israel gets about $3 billion a year in US aid, more than any other country.
The aides said on the eve of his trip that he would emphasize with US officials his "two-stage approach" starting with an end to violence, followed by negotiations "based first and foremost on non-belligerency."