Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas both say they are ready to meet.

Newsweek reports that Sharon says he is prepared to discuss with the Palestinians his plan to withdraw Israeli soldiers and Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip next year, China Radio International reported Monday.

Abbas also says he's ready for a summit with Sharon, after the January 9 elections in the Palestinian territories.

Abbas says the Palestinians are ready to rebuild their security apparatus to handle security in places where Israeli troops withdraw.

Sharon added that Israel would keep its troops away from Palestinian towns during the January elections.

Source: CRIENGLISH.com