The prime minister listed the steps being taken by the various government ministries to promote the issue.
"Despite the State's 60 years, we have not yet reached a suitable relationship with the Arab citizens of Israel. This has not happened because of the government's discriminatory policy, but the important thing is that current conditions have made it possible to alter the situation."
He added that the first actions must be economic, "for integration and then equality, rather than equality and then integration." He claimed that only after the Arab "sub-economy" is incorporated with Israel's wider economy can conditions for change be achieved. "One state should have one economy," he said.
He called on the Arab public to become more involved, and to take on the responsibilities leading to change. "We need you to take on responsibility, and not just as bystanders who criticize, but as full partners and citizens in the State of Israel," Olmert added.
The prime minister also spoke regarding the issue of national service for Arabs. "The dispute regarding national service is saddening and unnecessary. National service is right for the country, for the Arab citizens and the Arab youth.
"Can the Arab youth not volunteer for a year or two in national service for the community in which he lives? You need to change your stance on the issue as a basis for an understanding we all look forward to," Olmert concluded.