DATE=05/06/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= U-S / SHARON (S)

NUMBER=2-289480

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

INTRO: President Bush is preparing for a series of meetings this week with leaders from the Middle East, including Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Jordan's King Abdullah. Correspondent Nick Simeone reports the Israeli Prime Minister is reported to be ready to show Mr. Bush evidence of what Israel says is Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's involvement in terrorism.

TEXT: An Israeli official says Prime Minister Sharon arrived in Washington carrying more than 100 pages of documents some captured during Israel's military offensive in the West Bank. The Israeli government considers the documents proof of Yasser Arafat's links to terrorism. Palestinians dismiss them as propaganda.

Mr. Sharon, who holds talks with Secretary of State Colin Powell today, and President Bush on Tuesday, has expressed opposition to any talks with the Palestinian leader.

Still, Bush administration officials say they will use his visit to persuade him that such a meeting is in Israel's long-term interests.

The White House is working to organize a Middle East peace conference in the coming months, but Arab leaders have expressed reservations about the meeting.

Arab league foreign ministers are expected to meet this week to discuss the proposed conference.

Egypt's Foreign Minister has said he does not expect Arab governments to support the conference unless it focuses on how to reach a final settlement. (SIGNED)

NEB/NJS/KBK