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The opening of the Knesset winter session in Jerusalem on Monday. (Channel 10) del.icio.us Digg It!  new Last update - 03:32 09/10/2007 PM Olmert says Palestinians want to move toward peace By Shahar Ilan, Haaretz Correspondent and Haaretz Service JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the Knesset on Monday that the current Palestinian leadership wants to move forward toward peace with Israel. Laying out his agenda for the coming year during an address to mark the opening of the Knesset winter session, Olmert said he planned to make every effort to pursue peace with the Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, widely known as Abu Mazen. "The current Palestinian leadership is not a terrorist leadership. [Chairman] Abu Mazen and Prime Minister Salam Fayad are committed to all the agreements signed with Israel, and I believe that they want to move ahead together with us on a route that will bring about a change in the reality of relations between us and them," he said. Advertisement Olmert said he would not use excuses to stall peace talks and added that he has developed a good working relationship with Abbas during recent meetings. Olmert's critics have complained that Abbas is too weak to dismantle armed Palestinian groups or implement a future peace deal. "An atmosphere of personal trust has been created," Olmert said. I feel that there is something to talk about, and it's in our interest to talk. I want to serve notice here, in the most resolute way possible, that I do not intend to look for excuses to block a diplomatic process," he said. Olmert said Israel would have to give up on some of its deeply held desires - an apparent reference to holding on to the West Bank - and added that the Palestinians will have to deal with the need to concede part of their dreams in order to build with us a realistic, if not ideal, if not perfect future of peace and security. During the speech, opposition lawmakers repeatedly heckled Olmert, asking him what he plans to do about the future of Jerusalem. Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik, told the hecklers to be quiet and threatened to kick them out of the hall. Opposition leader and Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu followed Olmert at the podium, accusing Olmert of already having agreed to cede the West Bank and East Jerusalem. "One outcome is clear - the Israeli army leaves, Hamas enters," Netanyahu said in a speech following Olmert's. The assault appeared aimed largely at Olmert's top deputy, Vice Premier Haim Ramon, who said earlier on Monday that Israel should be prepared for future negotiations over dividing Jerusalem and ceding authority over some of its holiest sites. Netanyahu said in his address that relinquishing East Jerusalem would place the Israeli citizens in the western part of the city in danger of being attacked by Palestinian militants. "Handing over holy sites from Israeli control will not bring peace but the opposite," Netanyahu said. "If Israel leaves it will open the door to al-Qaida." During a Kadima Party meeting earlier Monday, Olmert expressed his desire to bring a bill before the Knesset to draft a constitution for Israel. "In nearly 60 years of statehood we have never had a constitution, only the Basic Laws, which are spotty and weak at best," Olmert stated. Israel has no formal constitution and instead relies on a system of laws known as the Basic Laws which outline the nation's political structure. Olmert added that he hopes the constitution will be approved during the winter legislative session by a wide and far-reaching majority and not forced upon a large minority of Knesset members. In regard to diplomacy, Olmert said the new legislative session must focus on improving dealings with the Palestinians, stating that "under no circumstances should Israel miss an opportunity that could bring an improvement in our relations with our neighbors, the Palestinian people." Olmert also voiced his intention to present a series of laws to the Knesset that would change the legislative and bureaucratic process in Israel, but added that he is not looking to "embark on a revolution, rather improvement in a system of governance that currently does not ensure stability or governability." During the meeting, Kadima appointed MK Eli Aflalo as chairman of the Kadima faction and the coalition Bookmark to del.icio.us Group goals Hapoel T.A. could be given either death or a dream in the UEFA Cup group stage draw. Bandits on wheels The new vehicles most often stolen in September were Sanyung motorbikes.   1.   OI VA VOI !!! IS HE GOING TO PUT HIS 16:54  |  Robert 08/10/07   2.   A constitution, wouldn`t that be nice? 16:54  |  B`Galil 08/10/07   3.   American news websites 17:09  |  Chris Linthwaite 08/10/07   4.   Pal Ambassador to Israel E.Olmert adds another load onto the came 17:09  |  Absolute Sweden 08/10/07   5.   Gibeonite deception 17:17  |  Paul 08/10/07   6.   OLMERT DONT ENDANGER JEWS IN ISRAEL. SHARON TRIED IT. 17:27  |  John the gentile 08/10/07   7.   #! Linthwaite 17:33  |  * BEN JABO 08/10/07   8.   Re Absolute #2 17:37  |  Esther 08/10/07   9.   Jerusalem 17:46  |  Max Molenaar 08/10/07   10.   Palestinians Want to Move Forward to Peace? 17:53  |  JordanisPalestine 08/10/07   11.   There is good in the worst of us 17:56  |  Natallie Durson 08/10/07   12.   Olmert Speech is Interesting and Positive 17:58  |  Abe 08/10/07   13.   To "American news" 18:02  |  Tom 08/10/07   14.   Peace with whom? 18:05  |  Dan 08/10/07   15.   Of Course Palestinians want to move Forward 18:08  |  Dagma 08/10/07   16.   The Palis want to move forward 18:14  |  ottomatik 08/10/07   17.   `Peace` and `Palestinian` oxymorons 18:23  |  Chick 08/10/07   18.   To Natallie Durson 18:28  |  Tom 08/10/07   19.   PM: Palestinians want to move forward to peace 18:28  |  steve 08/10/07   20.   Don`t Be Fooled - The Master Liar`s Greatest Performance Yet 18:41  |  chet 08/10/07   21.   Olmert ! A man not after Israel`s own heart 18:50  |  Onlooker 08/10/07   22.   When will Olmert move to the courts? 18:54  |  Jonathan S 08/10/07   23.   Dumb, Deaf, And Blind 19:04  |  Henry 08/10/07   24.   When His Lips Move 19:06  |  Aaron I. Lubling 08/10/07   25.   #13 - What`s the big scoop Chris? 19:07  |  JES 08/10/07   26.   #11 - Natallie, two things 19:09  |  JES 08/10/07   27.   Ben Jabo 19:13  |  Chris Linthwaite 08/10/07   28.   #13 Tom 19:15  |  Chris Linthwaite 08/10/07   29.   OLMERT SHOULD BE IN COURT NOT IN PARLIAMENT !! 19:30  |  S.Windler 08/10/07   30.   PM:Palestinians want to move forward to Jordan 19:42  |  e.m 08/10/07   31.   Someone should envoke a sanity clause to Olmerts 19:53  |  Sal 08/10/07   32.   Where is his sanity? He is not stupid. 20:02  |  Manny 08/10/07   33.   Palestinians ready for peace...their version of peace 20:13  |  Jon 08/10/07   34.   BIBI OUTS HIMSELF 20:14  |  Mark of Lewiston 08/10/07   35.   To Natatlie Durston 20:20  |  ottomatik 08/10/07   36.   Olmert, Abbas, and Sderot 20:27  |  Polybios 08/10/07   37.   Oy! The choices we have are pretty dismal! It`s 20:38  |  Smadar 08/10/07   38.   PA wants "Peace of the Grave"for Israel 20:47  |  Ray 08/10/07   39.   #13 Tom in ?????? from ????? 20:51  |  Labhras 08/10/07   40.   Abbas is a `receiving agent` for Hamas 21:00  |  Avi Yerushalmi 08/10/07   41.   negociations 21:02  |  Shmuelshachor 08/10/07   42.   #27 Linthwaite - that`s a cop out 21:08  |  * BEN JABO 08/10/07   43.   #20 Chet - Please don`t 21:09  |  * BEN JABO 08/10/07   44.   To # 23 Henry - Olmert and Ramon.... 21:24  |  Dagma 08/10/07   45.   #25 JES 21:25  |  Chris Linthwaite 08/10/07   46.   #20 - I have been thinking along similar lines 21:27  |  redmike 08/10/07   47.   For # 17 Chick on peace talks 21:31  |  Ed 08/10/07   48.   JES 21:31  |  Chris Linthwaite 08/10/07   49.   #34 - there is no `peace process` it`s just for the media ! 21:34  |  redmike 08/10/07   50.   brain-dead olmert gives back the store-woopie 21:40  |  Mark Katzman 08/10/07   51.   Wants to move forward meaning: 22:00  |  Avi 08/10/07   52.   Want to really improve things in Israel? 22:03  |  Avi 08/10/07   53.   To S Windler # 29 Good Post! 22:03  |  Pathfinder. 08/10/07   54.   Chris L #48 22:06  |  Polybios 08/10/07   55.   Translation: A New Tisha B`Av Thanks To Olmert 22:18  |  Yoram 08/10/07   56.   PLO - Please Laugh at Olmert 22:31  |  Marc 08/10/07   57.   PLO - Please Laugh at Olmert 22:33  |  Marc 08/10/07   58.   To Manny # 32 - Olmert just a selfish leader 22:36  |  Lana 08/10/07   59.   "Bumbles" Olmert... 22:46  |  Webster 08/10/07   60.   Only elegants Palestinians in suits and ties want peace..? 22:50  |  Elie 08/10/07   61.   Olmert fighting for his political life without considering public 22:51  |  H.H.M 08/10/07   62.   Olmert fighting for his political life without considering public 22:52  |  H.H.M 08/10/07   63.   HAARETZ - YOU ARE SELLING OUT ISRAEL, TOO!! 22:58  |  IMA 08/10/07   64.   Olmert in other words: "Now or never!" 23:36  |  Ivar 08/10/07   65.   releasing prisoners is a good way of initiating peace 23:38  |  roberta 08/10/07   66.   #27-2 Linthwaite - Make an effort, post the facts 23:46  |  * BEN JABO 08/10/07   67.   To Avi # 51 - Did you forget anything? 23:53  |  Dolly 08/10/07   68.   Marc...why? 23:57  |  Tamir Palestine 08/10/07   69.   20chet,not the measly 22% of Oslo,but 44% of the Partition 23:58  |  lakshmi 08/10/07   70.   Olmert and Abbas 00:42  |  Connie M. 09/10/07   71.   Israel`s future cannot be based on Olmert`s personal relationship 00:46  |  bernard ross 09/10/07   72.   For #43 Ben Jabber - Response To Your Witty Post 00:48  |  chet 09/10/07   73.   Jerusalem 01:29  |  MC 09/10/07   74.   peace process 01:38  |  marcel 09/10/07   75.   It needs idiots to believe the PM. 01:52  |  Akram Zekaria 09/10/07   76.   Netaniahu`s warnings - is he right? 01:52  |  Dan Chazan 09/10/07   77.   #25 - You`re absolutely right, Chris 01:58  |  JES 09/10/07   78.   #48 - You sound pretty happy, Chris 02:00  |  JES 09/10/07   79.   Chris L#48 - Militant Islam = Zionism? 02:23  |  William 09/10/07   80.   PA and Borders 02:31  |  MC 09/10/07   81.   Time for the long suffering Palestinians to `Go Home`. 02:38  |  Akram Zekaria 09/10/07   82.   An advice to the Palestinians. 03:19  |  Akram Zekaria 09/10/07   83.   They Voted Hamas - They Voted War 03:21  |  Mike 09/10/07   84.   Has Abbas grown feathers already? 03:58  |  Fortuna Benmayor 09/10/07   85.   67# Dan Chazan. An honest man needs an honest answer. 05:09  |  Akram Zekaria 09/10/07   86.   Going to the Synagouge is a must for every Palestinian. 06:22  |  Akram Zekaria 09/10/07   87.   70# Connie M. And the story of the `Vicious Circle` 07:10  |  Akram Zekaria 09/10/07   88.   Olmert the bloody fool... 07:15  |  Willy 09/10/07   89.   To Akram Zekaria.The conflict for Muslims is not a land 07:16  |  e.m 09/10/07   90.   84# Fortuna Benmayor. Abass needs Home. 07:21  |  Akram Zekaria 09/10/07   91.   What Olmert says, and what he does.... 09:19  |  Esther 09/10/07   92.   "Such a good Uncle Tom we`ve found" 10:06  |  Clickfool 09/10/07   93.   89# e.m - Jews Never Hated Islam. 10:55  |  Akram Zekaria 09/10/07   94.   For Ray USA 11:03  |  Ray Israel 09/10/07   95.   NO PEACE WITH SETTLEMENTS ON WB 14:29  |  TrippleJump 09/10/07   96.   Peace = complete pull out to 1967 borders 14:29  |  Eric 09/10/07   97.   Eric - `67 Borders 17:38  |  * BEN JABO 09/10/07   98.   Akram Zekaria - is there a perfectly just way? 21:52  |  Dan Chazan 09/10/07   99.   To Akram Zekaria 21:58  |  Dan Chazan 09/10/07   100.   Can ANYONE tell me where I can find 00:22  |  * BEN JABO 10/10/07   101.   99# Dan Chazan. The Two States is already there. 08:34  |  Akram Zekaria 10/10/07   102.   Jordan does not help people living in WB 18:15  |  Dan Chazan 10/10/07

Today Online Amir Oren: Extremist Islam is the enemy, not the Palestinians Responses: 129 Ephraim Sneh: When it comes to Iran, Israel must expect the worst Responses: 57 Abbas lays out first precise demands for Palestinian borders Responses: 139 German historian publishes chilling read: Hitler's fan mail Responses: 49 U.S. gov't said split over Israeli intel on N. Korea- Syria ties Responses: 53 Haaretz TV: Many East J'lem residents are on 'wrong' side of fence Responses: 2 Rosner's Domain * Romney's position on attacking Iran? better ask his lawyers * WTR: The debate over Tutu * Understanding the Israeli Attack on Syria * Poll: A divided Jerusalem? More Headlines 13:50 Abbas lays out first precise demands for Palestinian borders 17:37 High Court: Labor laws to apply to Palestinians in settlements 13:10 New York Times: U.S. gov't split over Israeli data on Syria-N. Korea ties 16:50 Palestinian-born Jewish convert convicted of aiding Islamic Jihad 18:00 Poland honors 53 who risked lives to save Jews in WWII 15:02 PA sources: IDF kills Fatah militant, wounds another in Nablus raid 17:32 PA: Israel grants permanent residency to 3,500 West Bank Palestinians 17:31 Despite strike, classes to resume in Gaza envelope schools Thurs. 14:02 German historian publishes chilling read: Hitler's fan mail 13:53 Russian President says Iran is not building a nuclear weapon Previous Editions Select Day 09 oct 08 oct 07 oct 05 oct 04 oct 03 oct 02 oct 01 oct 30 sep 28 sep 27 sep 26 sep

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