Israeli premier, president meet with Norwegian FM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his warnings to the Palestinian Authority against the consequences of announcing the Palestinian state on May 4, stressing his efforts to prevent the establishment of such a state.

In a press conference he held in Jerusalem on Monday with Norwegian Prime Minster and Foreign Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, Netanyahu abstained from giving any promise to fulfill his government's obligations according to Wye River agreement he signed in October 1998 with the Palestinian Authority.

Netanyahu asked the Palestinian government to take further measures to carry out this agreement, including a change in the teaching curricula.

Netanyahu highly praised the recent decision taken by the European Union to enable Israel to take part in European economic projects. He viewed this new EU measure as a backing for the Israeli economy.

The Norwegian premier proposed to Israel an offer of US $60 million in economic aid. The Norwegian premier promised that his country will continue to give economic aid to support joint projects between Israel and the Palestinian government.

Moreover, similar talks were held between the Norwegian premier and Israeli President Ezer Weizman.