Olmert: Israel ready for major concessions
In interview with BBC Arabic, prime minister says much progress has been achieved in talks with Palestinian Authority, believes Hamas could be serious partner for peace if it lives up to Quartet demands
"There is no cause or reason to enter a war with Syria" - said Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in an interview broadcast Thursday on BBC Arabic Television. Israel, he said, is ready to make major concessions on the redrawing of its borders in an effort to secure peace with the Palestinians and Syria. Olmert declined to
elaborate.
During the interview, which was held in Olmert's Tel Aviv office, the prime minister added that progress has been made on numerous issues in Israel's talks with the Palestinian Authority, including the dispute over the borders.
Olmert said his government was determined to continue efforts to resolve the conflict that has been going on for generations, and that he was working towards bridging the "historic gap" between Israel and Syria through negotiations.
Despite boasting progress on many fronts with the PA, Olmert remains skeptical that a full agreement can be signed and delivered during the remaining months of US President George W. Bush's term.
Olmert declined to confirm recent reports suggesting he may meet in person with Syrian President Bashar Assad in the near future when both are scheduled to attend a conference in Paris.
'Hamas could be a partner'
The interview, an initiative credited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Embassy in London, also touched on Hamas.
Olmert said the Islamic movement would be welcome to join peace negotiations after it accepted and complied with the demands of the international community, namely calling off terror attacks and recognizing Israel.
"I don't think there can be reconciliation (with Hamas) without basic acceptance," said Olmert."
The conditions set by the Quartet also call for Hamas to observe past accords signed with Israel and release kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.
Olmert stressed however that the current round of negotiations that culminated in the ceasefire agreement only involved talks through Egyptian mediation.
