Olmert: Arab peace initiative positive, rejects 'right of return'
Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 5/7/2007

Israel's Ministry Of Foreign Affairs said today that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today met with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on developments in the Middle East, the Arab initiative, and the Palestinian issue.

The statement said "Prime Minister Olmert made it clear that he views as positive the developments in the Arab world, led by the moderate Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, and noted their willingness to bring about a peace agreement that includes recognition of the State of Israel. The Prime Minister emphasized the central role of Saudi Arabia, which has great influence on the Palestinians and on the moderate Arab states. He reiterated that Israel's unambiguous position is non-acceptance of the right of return as expressed in the Arab initiative."

The statement added "On the Palestinian issue, the two men discussed ways of strengthening moderate elements, as opposed to extremists, in the Palestinian Authority. Prime Minister Olmert explained the great danger that Kassam rocket fire poses to Israel. He emphasized that Israel will respond severely to continued fire that threatens civilian lives in the northern Negev: 'The Kassam attacks constitute a tangible threat to Israel. Israel cannot show restraint forever,' he said."

Olmert said that an American proposals regarding Israeli and Palestinian benchmarks "are being considered and added that Israel will finalize its position shortly." The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas praised the US proposal as important step for Palestinian security and urged the Israelis to accept it. Abbas said that the plan contains important elements to restore security in the Palestinian territory, considering it a start to end the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Today, US Department Of State Spokesman Sean McCormack said the political situation in Israel has become complex, where Israel's Prime Minister Olmert is reported to be facing political difficulties. McCormack indicated changes in the travel plans of US Secretary Condoleezza Rice saying "It's possible that she could make a stop in the Middle East on this trip, although I would not expect it at -- on this trip that she would travel to Israel and the Palestinian areas. There is obviously a lot of politics in Israel that they're working through at this point, but we're going to continue our efforts to advance the Israeli-Palestinian track. And her -- if she does make a stop in the Middle East, I would look for her to focus on ways in which we might do that, although not necessarily stopping in Israel and Palestinian areas."

He also said the proposed plan is "meant to be an iterative document that both sides -- we can work with both sides to add or subtract to its .. -- it's a starting point, really. And we keep saying, as well as our officials out there, Jake Walles and Dick Jones, have worked with -- presented this in an informal way to both sides, and I wouldn't be surprised if David at some point travels out there. And surely, the Secretary will be out there in the not-too-distant future. "

The New York Times reported yesterday that "Hamas, which leads the government of the Palestinian Authority and dominates its legislature, on Saturday poured scorn on American proposals to increase Palestinian movement and Israeli security."

The New York Times added "A day after the proposals, including removing some West Bank checkpoints, became public, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza, Fawzi Barhoum, said, 'We forcefully reject this abject and terrorist plan because it calls for killing the Palestinian people and legalizing the occupation of Palestinian territory.'"

Previous Stories:
  Israeli seizure of land in Izbat at-Tabib Village   (5/1/2007)
  Israeli forces attack peaceful Palestinian demonstration   (5/1/2007)
  PLO: Israel seeks to undermine understanding   (4/23/2007)
  Rice: US will aid Palestinian people, deal with Abbas   (3/20/2007)
  Rice visit, pressing for recognition of Israel stumbling block   (2/21/2007)
  Rice: peace process can defuse Palestinian violence   (2/4/2007)

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