Olmert: No signs of coming war
Just before departing to Europe's capitals, prime minister tries to calm fears on Syrian front by clarifying that 'as far as I know there is no indication of immediate war preparations,' slams Holocaust denial conference in Iran
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Monday afternoon, just before he departed to Europe, "I have not received any intelligence alerts indicating the possibility of war."
Olmert said this in response to a report by a senior intelligence chief at Sunday's cabinet meeting that Syria is advancing its forces.
"As far as I know there is no indication of preparations for an immediate war. I do not interpret this as preparations for war with Israel," he added.
On the Palestinian matter, Olmert discussed the Saudi Arabian initiative, which Defense Minister Amir Peretz had quickly adopted.
"The only basis for negotiations is what is agreed upon and accepted by the international community – the road map and the Quartet agreements," Olmert clarified.
Olmert also addressed the Holocaust conference taking place in Iran, calling it "a phenomenon that testifies to the depth of hatred and fundamentalist fanaticism of the present Iranian government."
He added that "any enlightened country should have disapproved of this convention. There are not and will not be any compromises on this matter."
Europe tour: Hoping for diplomatic gains
Olmert will depart for Berlin Monday, to start off his diplomatic tour of the continent. During his tour, the prime minister is set to meet with several European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, and Pope Benedict XVI.
In Germany, Olmert will discuss with his counterpart the Palestinian issue and the "axis of evil," which according to Israel stretches from Iran and Damascus to the Palestinian Authority.
He will seek to ensure Germany's adherence to the economic blockade on Gaza, and stress Israel's demand that the conditions of the Quartet to the Palestinians - namely recognizing Israel, renouncing violence and honoring past treaties – are met.
The prime minister is also expected to raise the matter of the Iranian nuclear race, and ask Merkel to support the imposition of sanctions on the Islamic republic.
On Wednesday, the prime minister will leave for Rome to meet Prodi, who is considered a good friend of Israel. The main issues of sanctions on Iran and the blockade on the Palestinians will also stand at the heart of the talks with the Italian leader.
Olmert's tour will culminate in a visit to the Vatican and a meeting with the pope. The PM hopes to hear moderate statements from Benedict XVI supporting a renewal of the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian.
