Israeli Prime Minister offers talks with the Palestinian president

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-28-2006 09:10

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has offered to meet for talks with the Palestinian president. This, on the possibility of an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. But he said the Palestinians must first meet a number of conditions.

In a speech near Beer Sheva, beside the grave of Israel's first prime minister, David Ben Gurion Olmert set out his ideas for building on the day-old ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in ways that might revitalize the Middle East peace process.

Ehud Olmert,Israeli Prime Minister said"If Palestinians will establish a new government that commits to the terms of the quartet, implements the road map, and leads to the release of Gilad Shalit - I will offer to meet Abbas immediately, to hold a real, open and sincere dialogue between us. In the framework of the dialogue and in accordance with the road map, you can establish an independent Palestinian state with territorial continuity in the West Bank."

Olmert mentioned Israel's borders will be determined according to President George W. Bush's letter to former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on April 14th, 2004. These borders will define a territory different than the one currently under Israeli control.

Olmert also said Israel was prepared to release many Palestinian prisoners, if Palestinian militants freed captured Israeli soldier, Corporal Gilad Shalit.

Editor:Du Xiaodan