Sharon takes office as Israeli prime minister

A new Israeli coalition government led by hardline Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was launched Wednesday.

The new prime minister formed a seven-party coalition government with his ruling Likud Party at the center and completed appointments of cabinet members before being sworn in as Israel`s 11th prime minister.

In his inauguration address, Sharon said the government would give top priority to safeguarding citizens and maintaining national security. He stressed that there would be no negotiations with the Palestinians until there is an end to the ongoing violence.

Yoon Yang-Sup lailai@donga.com