Israeli-U.S. Misunderstanding Over Separation Fence

"A misunderstanding is developing with the Americans on this fence because of ignorance of the specifics of this project," Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said from Washington, where he met Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The meeting was designed to prepare the July 29 talks between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Bush, Agence France-Presse (AFP).

"The Palestinians have launched an extensive opinion campaign against this fence to make believe it will harm their interests, create facts on the ground and will risk torpedoing the peace process," Shalom told military radio.

On his part, Powell said: "My colleague is aware of the concerns that we have about the fence" and it needs to be asked if "it (the fence) helps the process as we move forward" towards peace with the Palestinians.

In his talks Wednesday with National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, Shalom was told that the U.S. wants Israel to halt construction of the fence and alter its route, Israel Radio reported.