The White House and the Israeli delegation are lowering expectations ahead of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s schedule meeting with President George Bush on Tuesday.
White House spokesman Tony Snow said the summit is mainly aimed at allowing the two leaders to get acquainted with one another.
Prime minister and wife Aliza in Washington (Photo: AFP)
He expressed concern over the possible collapse of the Palestinian Authority, and the humanitarian issue is expected to be discussed during Olmert’s meeting with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday.
The Americans intend to pressure the prime minister into meeting with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who they consider to be a partner for peace.
"I don't expect anything formal, but the two of them obviously are going to be talking about ways to keep moving forward" with the peace process,” Snow said.
“The viability of the Palestinian Authority is the key matter," he added.
As far as the US is concerned, unilateral Israeli moves are not an option at this stage, and the convergence plan is not expected to be brought up in a concrete matter during Olmert’s current trip.
The White House spokesman reiterated the US stance on Hamas, saying it will not recognize the terror group unless it denounces terror.
Israeli delegation evoke Iranian file
The European Union is concerned over the dire living conditions in the Palestinian territories and Union members drafted a plan to transfer millions of dollars to the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority.
The European Union has said it will fund urgent medical and educational expenses, ensure the continuation of electricity and water supplies, and cover the salaries of the PA's 50,000 workers.
The European commitment consists of a total monthly payment of USD 30 million towards PA salaries, USD seven million for medical care and USD six million to public services.
Meanwhile, the Israeli delegation in Washington is busy with the Iranian file. Olmert aides said they "expect strategic relations between Israel and the US to improve, especially in light of developments in Iran and the Israeli position on a number of issues such as the Hamas-led Palestinian government and Hizbullah."
Ronny Sofer contributed to the report
First published: 22:27, 05.22.6