Israeli PM Says Joint Statement With Abbas Not Precondition for Holding Summit

Oct 14, 09:40 AM

Current Headlines: Text of report by Israel radio on 14 October

[Perez] Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today told ministers, at the start of today's cabinet session, that he intends to conduct cabinet discussions on guidelines for dialogue with the Palestinians in order to reach a joint declaration that addresses the fundamental issues forming the basis for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

[Olmert - recording] During the past few months I held talks with the president of the PNA and we reached a high level of understanding regarding the outline on how contacts should be conducted, particularly on the issue that the process of dialogue with the Palestinians must be balanced, cautious, and prudent and should be aimed at reaching a joint statement during the international meeting. However, the joint statement was never a precondition for holding the meeting.

If a joint statement is made following the meeting, we would very much like the key issues of the statement to be approved by the relevant Palestinian and Israeli bodies. The goal would be the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, without defining an exact timetable for the start and end of the process.

Originally published by Voice of Israel, Jerusalem, in Hebrew 1005 14 Oct 07.

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