RAMALLAH, May 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas'office said Saturday that Israeli and Palestinian officials are preparing for a summit meeting between Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

    Rafeeq al Husseini, Abbas office's chief of staff, told the press that he expected that the meeting may take place on the first week on June right after Abbas' return from his May 26 visit to the United States and his meeting with President George W. Bush.  

    "The idea of holding a meeting exists, but no date has been accurately decided," said al Husseini, adding "most probably, the meeting might be held on the first week of June."

    Official Palestinian sources announced on Saturday that a meeting between Sharon and Abbas and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak would be held on June 7.

    The sources didn't say where the meeting would take place, but said the meeting would discuss issues related to continue with calmness, implementing the roadmap plan and coordinating the intended Israeli pullout.

    Abbas himself also said in Egypt on Saturday that he will meet Sharon on June 7, al-Jazeera reported.

    Abbas made the announcement after meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Saturday morning in Egypt's Red Sea resort Sharm el-Sheikh.

    "We are asking Israel to apply the accords of Sharm el-Sheikhand this demand will be at the centre of my meeting with Sharon onJune 7," Abbas said.

    The Palestinian prime minister, however, noted that the date for the summit is not decided until he coordinated with the Israeli side.

    But Sharon office immediately denied the date of a summit with Abbas, telling Israel Radio that the prime minister is interestedin meeting with Abbas, "but at this time no date or location has been finalized."  Enditem