Gaza-Egypt border can be turned over

Israel will turn the Gaza-Egypt border over to the Egyptians if they stop Palestinian arms smuggling, Prime Minister &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2002/04/22/27872.html ' target=_blank>Ariel Sharon said Monday during a trip to the United States.

This would be part of Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, set for the summer. Israel patrols a wide border road and has often sent troops into the Rafah refugee camp, uncovering dozens of arms smuggling tunnels, tells ABC News.

Speaking to Israel Bonds leaders in New York, Sharon said if Egypt stops the smuggling, "Israel will be glad to leave this area." Sharon arrived in New York earlier in the day to attend a "We stand with Israel" rally organized by major Jewish groups.

He speaks on Tuesday in Washington to the &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/columnists/2002/06/24/31023_.html ' target=_blank>American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a lobbying group. But he is not due to meet U.S. government leaders during the visit, which is described as a private trip.