The Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon who won the elections is "psychologically ready" to head the process of peaceful regulation in the Middle East. This opinion was expressed by Deputy Speaker of the Duma Vladimir Lukin (Yabloko) in an interview with journalists on February 7, 2001.

According to Lukin, Sharon is a person who "was throughout his life a warrior and one of the most famous generals in Israel." However, Lukin thinks that today Sharon "would like to end his career by achieving good results in the peace process in the Middle East."

Lukin added that it remained to be seen whether Sharon would be able "to propose something more or less acceptable for the Palestinians". Lukin said that one should not rule out an aggravation of the situation in this region in the near future. However, he castigated as “too primitive” assertions that “war will break up immediately” after Sharon's victory.

Talking about the long-term perspective, Lukin said that “serious negotiations between the Israeli and the Palestinians will begin". "There is no alternative resolution of this problem, and everyone, including Sharon understand this," added Lukin.

Based on RIA-Novosti reports.