Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, confined to West Bank city of Ramallah for over one year, can visit Gaza Strip.

Sharon conveyed this to the Palestinian Prime Minister when the two men met for talks on the implementation of the internationally-brokered roadmap, the third such meeting between the two Premiers since Abbas took office on April 30, Israel Radio reported.

The two Prime Ministers spoke of their desire for peace in a joint appearance before talks. Sharon reiterated his promise to make painful concessions to achieve peace, but said there will be no compromise with terror.

PTI