Olmert says he wants broad coalition
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Olmert: Elections a referendum on my plan
Prime minister tells ADL convention he intends to form broad government that would reflect wide consensus
WASHINGTON – The recent general elections served as a national referendum on Kadima's diplomatic plans for further West Bank withdrawals, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told an Anti-Defamation League convention via satellite.
"I wanted the elections to be a referendum on the plan I presented," Olmert said, adding that he wanted to make sure no one would be able to claim he has no mandate to advance his initiative.
Following the elections, Kadima has a mandate, Olmert said, and added he intends to use it effectively in order to implement his plan and "create a new reality in the Middle East."
Speaking to participants in the ADL's annual convention in Washington, the prime minister, who spoke from Jerusalem, made it clear he intends to achieve progress in a bid to create a different reality within four years. Olmert said he presented his plan during the election campaign despite knowing he would lose votes because of it.
The PM added he intends to form a government "within a few days" but noted he still does not know which parties will be part of the coalition.
Olmert said he wants a government that includes both the Left and the Right and that would reflect a wide consensus, particularly on the diplomatic front.
"I prefer negotiations with the Palestinians," the prime minister added, noting that peace based on talks is always stronger than any other arrangement. He said he would do everything with the help of Israel's friends, and particularly America, to push the Palestinians to meet basic demands outlined in the Road Map peace initiative.
However, Olmert said, Israel won't wait forever even though it intends to give the Palestinians a chance.
"We want to separate from the Palestinians and break the cycle of violence," he said.
