Sharon seeks European backing

LONDON -- Fresh from a successful U.S. visit, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon met with British leader Tony Blair on Wednesday, seeking backing from Europe for a more cautious approach to Middle East peacemaking.

Sharon briefed Blair on his talks with President Bush, and the British prime minister underlined the importance of an early restart of the political process, stressing his determination to do all he could to help, Blair's office said.

The European Union has been at the forefront of those demanding Palestinian statehood as soon as possible.