Olmert: Lebanese proposal interesting

Prime minister, president meet in Jerusalem day before Security Cabinet convenes. Olmert says that Lebanese proposal for ceasefire 'interesting.' 'We need to study the proposal and all its implications,' he adds

Ronny Sofer |Published: 08.08.06 , 11:39

President Moshe Katsav and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met Tuesday at Katsav's official residence in Jerusalem.

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At the press conference that followed the meeting, Olmert stated that there were some 'interesting points' in the Lebanese prime minister's proposal for a ceasefire, and added he knew full well Hizbullah was interested in a cessation of the fighting, mainly because the group was no longer able to continue its resistance to the Israeli army.

"There are initial contacts on a resolution drafted by the United States and France," Olmert said. "A final draft resolution does not exist at this point, and therefore we are still unable to say whether there are clauses we disapprove of," he explained.

"In general I can say that the international community recognizes that fact that the situation which existed in the past cannot repeat itself," he stated.

'Interesting step'

'I heard about the Lebanese government's proposal yesterday – to deploy 15,000 troops to south Lebanon. Our stance, as I have said all along, is that Resolution 1559 needs to be implemented. The essential element is the deployment of the Lebanese army and removing Hizbullah from the area. This proposal is an interesting step, which we need to study and examine its implications," Olmert added.

"You can notice the fact that Hizbullah has already stated it agrees to this, and this may be an indication to what we are feeling on the ground – that Hizbullah cannot keep up fighting against Israel in this region," the PM said.

"I suggest that we be patient and address this matter in coordination with our friends and allies, and that we mull these things amongst ourselves as well, before we make the decisions," Olmert added.

"I can say one thing," he stressed, "the faster we are able to withdraw from south Lebanon, the happier we'll be. Obviously we can only do this if we are certain we have accomplished the goals we have set for ourselves."

"Concerning a military operation – until Monday morning no operative plan to expand the operation beyond the current lines has been put on the table. I heard all kind of talks and reports in the press. I approved bringing this proposal (for widening operations) for a Cabinet discussion, and the Cabinet will address it tomorrow," Olmert stated.