PM: Find way to resume diplomatic process
During cabinet meeting, prime minister calls to create new horizons opposite Palestinians 'not only through humanitarian acts, but also on diplomatic platforms for benefit of region's nations.' Livni: Syria fulfilling problematic role in region
"We are not only talking about humanitarian acts, but about diplomatic platforms for the benefit of the region's nations," Olmert said, stressing that Israel must adhere to the Road Map and implement Security Council Resolution 1701 in order to bring about a new reality.
Education Minister Yuli Tamir (Labor) said following Olmert's remarks: "I welcome the prime minister's declaration on returning to the Road Map and resuming the dialogue with the Palestinians. I believe that the only way to strengthen Israel's status in the region is through a dialogue."
Minister Isaac Herzog (Labor) said during the cabinet meeting: "After the confrontation we went through, there is no an opportunity for a diplomatic process. We have to thoroughly examine the possibilities. This is one of the reasons we are witnessing the visits of many foreign ministers and heads of state in Israel."
Herzog said that a meeting between the prime minister and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas could serve as a catalyst to move the diplomatic process.
"The Road Map is what we have now," he added.
Livni: Syria pressuring Hamas
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said during the cabinet meeting that "Syria is continuing to fulfill a problematic role in the region. Israel is conveying messages to the Syrians on different channels that they must cooperate with the implementation of UN Resolution 1701."
Minister Livni gave an example of Syria's problematic role, saying that through Khaled Mashaal, the Syrians are preventing the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.
Livni added: "The Road Map was accepted by everyone. It obligates the Palestinians to halt terror and prove that they can do it. The Arab countries claim to be facing difficulties and internal pressures, and this is the reason why the Arab community is launching blurred initiatives, such as the Arab League's initiative. At the moment it appears that the Arab League's initiative will end with something limited."
Meretz Chairman Yossi Beilin called on the government Sunday to appoint a state commission of inquiry into the war in Lebanon.
"By pathetically avoiding a state commission of inquiry, the prime minister is not only hurting his own image, but a series of people who had a magnificent public service. Before needlessly hurting other people and before turning the commission of inquiry from a farce into a tragedy, the government must save him from himself and appoint a state commission of inquiry," Beilin said.
Sources at the Yesha Council said in response to the prime minister's remarks on returning to the Road Map that "a return to the Road Map is reminiscent of a dog who returns to the place he through up at. Olmert is blind to the new reality and is asking to meet with Abu Mazen (Abbas), who is no more than a puppet on a string, activated by Khaled Mashaal in Syria."
A senior official at the Yesha Council added: "Olmert is insisting on going backwards, contrary to the pretentious and detached name of his collapsing party (Kadima, 'forward' in Hebrew). The declaration that he will meet with Abbas without any precondition gives a green light to all of Israel's enemies."
Efrat Weiss contributed to the report
