The new leader of the Labour party Amir Peretz speaks to reporters after his meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Tel Aviv November 17, 2005. (Photo: Xinhua/REUTERS)

    BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhuanet)-- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has agreed with his main political rivals Thursday to hold an early parliamentary elections in February or March next year.

    With his coalition crumbling, Mr. Sharon now favors elections relatively soon, saying there is no need for a lengthy campaign that could result in a prolonged political deadlock.

    "We must ensure that 2006 will not turn into a lost year with regard to the political process and the effort to reach an agreement with the Palestinians," Mr. Sharon was quoted as saying in the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot.

    The surprise selection last week of fiery union leader Amir Peretz as Labor Party leader and candidate for prime minister also threw the Israeli political world into turmoil. Peretz campaigned on a promise to force new elections.

    Peretz plans to pull his party out of the coalition, depriving Mr. Sharon of a majority in parliament. The two men met Thursday in Tel Aviv, and Mr. Peretz said afterward they agreed the election could be held at the end of February or sometime in March.

    Joseph Lapid, head of the opposition Shinui Party, met with Sharon later Thursday and said they agreed on a March ballot. Enditem

    (Agencies)