Olmert wants peace talks after elections
Acting Prime Minister Olmert pledges to resume talks with PA following elections, says Israel cannot accept nuclear Iran
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday he hopes to resume peace negotiations with the Palestinians after elections in the Palestinian Authority and Israel are held.
Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with President Moshe Katsav, Olmert took the opportunity to comment on a series of political and diplomatic issues, for the first time since he stepped in to replace ailing Prime Minister Ariel Sharon about two weeks ago.
Olmert (left) with President Katsav (Photo: Gil Yochanan)
When asked whether he intends to carry out further disengagements after the elections, Olmert said, "I am just a temporary replacement for Kadima's chairman, hopefully for a short while. With relation to the government's policy – we are sticking to the Road Map peace plan."
"It would be a mistake not to demand of the other side to hold on the commitments it made in the Road Map plan, and not insist it holds to its obligation to fight terror and disarm terror groups," he added.
Olmert said that the government's policy will continue to move in the same course as it did in the past year. "I hope that following the PA elections and the elections in Israel, I can engage in negotiations with Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, on the condition he keeps to his commitment to disarm the terror organizations. Only then can we reach a settlement," Olmert stated.
Firm hand in Hebron
Remarking on the recent riots in Hebron, Olmert said he has instructed the defense minister and the internal security minister to act with determination against the violent rioters in the West Bank town.
"We will show no hesitation. Anyone who raises a hand at a soldier or a policeman will be severely punished and evacuated from where he is not allowed to be. This is true for Hebron, Amona, and any other place," he said.
Olmert claimed he was operating in accordance with what he knows Ariel Sharon would have done.
'We have an impressive list of experienced candidates'
Turning his attention to the subject of the Iranian threat on Israel, the acting prime minister said the issue was on Israel's and the international community's agenda.
"I believe there is a way to ensure unconventional weapons are kept away from irresponsible hands that may jeopardize world peace," he said, adding he is very familiar with the subject, having dealt with it before.
According to Olmert, Israel is acting in cooperation with Europe and the United States to see that the matter is addressed.
"Under no circumstances will we allow a country with such evil intentions to have destructive weapons. We cannot accept a situation in which such a threat exists, and nor can Europe or the U.S.
Referring to local politics, Olmert said he plans to formulate the Kadima party's list for Knesset in the next few days, on the basis of guarantees given by Sharon, and through consultation with the party's ministers.
"This will be carried out quickly, because we have an impressive list of experienced candidates we want to present to the public," Olmert explained.
