Olmert to decline Abbas' requests regarding funds, prisoners
PM to meet Palestinian president in Jericho Thursday. Israel will not comply with any demands, say officials
Olmert is expected to refuse Abbas' request to unfreeze Palestinian tax money held in Israel, as well as the request for the release of any prisoners before the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.
The prime minister and Abbas have not met since April 15, despite their assurance to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that they will meet every two weeks.
Olmert has agreed to the meeting mainly as a show of good faith before his scheduled trip to the US later this month.
The meeting had been postponed several times, first due to publication of the Winograd Commission's reports, and later because of the escalation in the rocket firing from Gaza towards Israel.
This Thursday will see Olmert trying his best to keep his promise by meeting Abbas in the Jericho. "We have to keep the lines of communication open," said a source in the PM's office. "We must give the moderate Palestinians hope, no matter how bad things get."
'Nothing to discuss'
"The prime minister is expected to tell the Palestinian president that the situation is intolerable as far is Israel is concerned," said the source, adding Israel has no intention of negotiating a ceasefire, therefore the PA's suggestion is unacceptable.
"The way things are now, Israel is not open to any Palestinian demands, let alone those regarding money and prisoners."
Until the PA established a system proving the money held in Israel can't find it's way to terrorists, to Hamas or to the government which it leads, the funds will not given over, stressed the source.
"However, we are not ruling out direct humanitarian aid, such as giving money for payrolls and health care.
"Israel does not intend to comply with Abu-Mazen's (Abbas) requests regarding the checkpoints and military crossings," added the source. "It is simply unacceptable under current circumstances."
Prime Minister Olmert is also expected to decline Abbas' request for a show of good faith in form of releasing Palestinian prisoners.
"As long as Gilad Shalit is imprisoned in Gaza, there is nothing to discuss, said the source.
Escalating violence in the Gaza Strip has brought talks of a deal involving Shalit's release to a virtual halt. Egypt is trying to broker the deal, but so far no real progress has been made.
