Breakfast in Washington. Rice and Olmert
Photo: GPO
Olmert to Rice: West talking to Hamas
PM tells US secretary of state Israel plans to continue moving peace process forward in accordance with Annapolis summit guidelines after Obama takes office. Sides agree to stress importance of safeguarding Israel's interests to new administration
WASHINGTON – During his meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and senior National Security Council officials, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed his concern over what he said were contacts between Western elements and Hamas.
Rice on the Middle East
During Ramallah news conference US secretary of state says she is certain if Palestinians, Israelis stay on Bush-endorsed track peace will be achieved; Abbas says he hopes Obama administration will begin tackling Mideast issues immediately
Olmert told his hosts over breakfast at the Blair House that Israel plans to continue to move forward with the peace process in accordance with the guidelines set at the Annapolis summit after President-elect Barack Obama officially takes office on January 20.
US National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley and Israel's Ambassador to Washington Sallai Meridor also took part in the meeting, during which Olmert stressed that the Israeli government was committed to the peace process.
The sides agreed to update Obama's administration regarding the progress that has been made so far and stress the importance of safeguarding Israel's interests during the process.
Rice told reporters Sunday evening that "even though there was not an agreement by the end of the year, it is really largely because of the political situation in Israel.
Olmert is expected to meet with Vice-President Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush later in the day.
