Olmert: Easing restrictions important

Prime minister says he views relieving restrictions on Palestinians as way to build trust with pragmatic elements among them

Roni Sofer
Published: 04.08.08, 18:31 / Israel News

Easing restrictions on the Palestinians is one of the ways to build trust with the pragmatic elements among them, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday during a tour of the Hebron area.

Olmert, who toured the Central Command's southern district together with IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi, Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai and Central Command chief Major-General Gadi Shamni, was briefed on the progress made in the separation fence construction, on the warnings and terror threats in the area and on the actions aimed at relieving the Palestinians' lives.

Gestures and Fears

Diskin: Complete fence before gestures / Roni Sofer

Shin Bet chief warns cabinet against easing restrictions on Palestinians while separation fence remains breached. Aide to defense minister says Barak is working to locate budget for fence's completion, adds diplomatic considerations taken into account as well

Full story

The prime minister later met with IDF soldiers stationed in the area.

"This is one of the most sensitive places, and your actions are the key for processes which will take place in the future. I support you in your war on terror and highly appreciate your activities," Olmert told the troops.

Ashkenazi and Olmert (Photo: Avi Ohayon, GPO)

The prime minister also expressed his appreciation for the division commander over the IDF and Shin Bet's adamant war against terror elements in the area, headed by Hamas.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Monday that Israel's declarations on roadblocks being removed in the West Bank were nothing more than a "public relations stunt."

Erekat spoke at the end of a meeting between Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in which the two leaders agreed to speed up negotiations in a bid to reach an agreement by the end of 2008 and ahead of US President George W. Bush's visit to Israel to take part in the Jewish state's 60th anniversary celebrations.

talkback

Send to friend

Bookmark to del.icio.us

See More Barak in south: Situation won't improve tomorrow Suspicion: PM installed of speed bumps near home of Talansky's son

8 Talkbacks for this article

See all talkbacks

Please wait for the talkbacks to load

Site developed by
Search Marketing by	Application delivery by
Copyright © Yedioth Internet. All rights reserved.