RAMALLAH, April 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon before his visit to Washington in May, Palestinian and Israeli sources said on Saturday.

    Abbas met with Sharon in February, when they agreed on a mutual ceasefire at a summit at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

    Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat met on Friday with Sharon's advisor Dov Weisglass. They discussed matters concerning a meeting between Abbas and Sharon, but no date has been set.

    Meanwhile, Palestinian sources said Saturday that Abbas congratulated Israeli President Moshe Katsav and Sharon on the Jewish holiday of Passover.

    Speaking to Katsav and Sharon separately over phone, Abbas expressed his hope that Passover would be a beginning for peace for all people. Enditem