RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said yesterday that another meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is needed to "push the peace process forward."

Abbas and Sharon last met at a Feb. 8 summit at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheik, where they declared an end to more than four years of violence.

He said there was a proposal for a meeting, but no date had been set.

As part of the truce, Israel promised to turn over five West Bank towns to Palestinian security control. But after withdrawing from two towns, Israel has frozen further handovers, saying the Palestinians have not been tough enough on armed militants.

Abbas has preferred to negotiate with militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad to end attacks but has refused to move against them as Israel and the United States demand.

Abbas also is seeking assurances that the planned Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip will be an initial step toward implementing the long-dormant, internationally backed "road map" peace plan, which envisions the creation of a Palestinian state.The Palestinians also want Israel to coordinate the Gaza withdrawal with them.