Channels

Facilitating. Olmert
Photo: Ofer Amram

Olmert to leave for Washington

Prime minister to leave for week-long US visit Monday night to facilitate latest F-35 fighter jets purchase; relay more intelligence concerning developments in Iran's nuclear program. Also on itinerary meetings with Bush, Rice; Democratic, Republican presidential hopefuls

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will leave for Washington Monday night, in order to facilitate the Israeli Air Force purchase of new F-35 fighter jets. Olmert is said to also further several other arm deals for various long-range radars, which will compliment Israel's multi-layered rocket defense systems.

 

The purchase of the F-35 is expected to upgrade the IAF's strategic capabilities. A Lockheed Martin Aeronautics jet, the F-35 – or F-35 Lightning II, as it is officially called – is a single-seat, single-engine stealth-fighter jet; meant to eventually take over for the F-16.

 

Israel intends to install sever Israeli-made systems in its F-35s, which are expected to become operational in four years.

 

Olmert is also expected to address several sensitive intelligence issues during his US visit, with Iran topping the list. Israel has been providing the US with intelligence regarding the Iranian nuclear program, in an effort to demonstrate that the Islamic Republic is making progress in its pursuit of a viable nuclear weapon.

 

Prior to leaving for Washington, Olmert is expected to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The Prime Minister's Office said the meeting has nothing to do with the US trip: "This is a routine meeting, scheduled in accordance with the Annapolis outline; and will revolve around the progress needed on the borders' and the security arrangements."

 

According to the PM's Office, the meeting will also be attended by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qureia and their respective teams.

 

Should everything go as scheduled, Olmert's plane is expected to arrive in Washington early Tuesday morning (GMT). The prime minister is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, as well as the heads of AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee). Olmert will attend an AIPAC gala held in Washington on Tuesday evening.

 

Wednesday will see Olmert meet with US President George W. Bush and dine with Vice President Richard Cheney.

 

Olmert will round up his US visit with individual meeting with each of the Democratic Party's presidential hopefuls - Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Scheduling difficulties have prevented the Prime Minister's Office from cementing a meeting with Republican presidential hopeful John McCain, but the two are expected to at least speak on the phone.

 

Olmert is expected to return to Israel on Friday.

 


פרסום ראשון: 06.02.08, 00:51
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment