Olmert in Turkey on Thursday
צילום: איי פי
Olmert objects to severing ties with Abbas
Olmert tells reporters in Turkey he hopes to hear ‘unequivocal recognition’ of Quartet’s principles during meeting with PA president next week; adds: We weren’t surprised by Turkish premier's support for Israel’s stance on Iran
ANKARA - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Thursday that he has no intention of severing ties with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
The premier said he is scheduled to meet Abbas and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice next Monday. "I hope that the meeting will lay the foundations for discussions," he told reporters.
“I expect to hear from the Palestinians unequivocal recognition of the Quartet’s principles. The meeting was scheduled a month ago – prior to the Mecca talks. Even then we did not plan to discuss a permanent agreement but negotiations that would determine the political horizon. Of course the Mecca agreement will be raised as well.”
Turning his attention to Iran, Olmert said, “We weren’t surprised by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s support for Israel’s position on the issue. I believe the Iranians are not close to a (nuclear) technological breakthrough as they claim, but they are not as far away as we would hope. The steps we are taking now are beginning to have an influence on Iran. An emphasis must be placed on diplomacy.”
As to the possibility of opening negotiations with Syria, the Israeli premier said, “Israel would not miss an opportunity to make peace, but the question is whether it is attainable. We would appreciate Turkey’s help on the matter.”
Olmert made it clear that during his meeting Thursday with Erdogan he did not agree to allow a Turkish technical team to inspect the controversial construction work at the Mugrabi Gate in Jerusalem.
“Erdogan said he would send a delegation that would examine the site to make sure no damage was being caused to the Temple Mount,” the prime minister said.
“I am very pleased that not a word of criticism against Israel was uttered.”
