George Mitchell
Photo: Reuters
Olmert: Opening crossings tied to progress in Shalit case
Prime minister meets with US special envoy to Mideast, says significant headway in negotiations for return of kidnapped IDF soldier prerequisite for reopening Gaza crossings
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met Wednesday afternoon with George Mitchell, the US special envoy to Mideast. Olmert told Mitchell that opening the Gaza crossings was a decision tied in with any progress made in kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit's case.
Olmert stressed that until actual headway in Shalit's case was made, the crossings would remain open for humanitarian aid transports only.
The future opening of the crossings, added Olmert, also depends on the Gaza ceasefire proving stable and the cessation of all terror activities.
Mitchell reinforced US President Barak Obama's statements that the US is committed to the security of Israel and will make good on its pledge to establish two states for two nations.
Mitchell told reporters that his meeting with the prime minister focused on the crucial need to solidify the armistice in the Strip, including halting all terror attacks and arms smugglings, and the opening of the crossings in accordance to the agreement reached in 2005.
