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Last update - 22:35 02/06/2008 Olmert to Abbas: PA bid to curb our Europe ties 'unacceptable' By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent and News Agencies Tags: Ehud Olmert, Peace, Israel  Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday protested to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas efforts by his government to curb Israel's burgeoning relations with Europe and the international community. At the meeting at Olmert's Jerusalem residence, the prime minister mentioned letters sent by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in which Fayyad requested they not upgrade ties with Israel in light of ongoing settlement building, and lack of progress in peace talks. Olmert told Abbas: "This is completely unacceptable to us, and does not represent the relations today between the sides, and returns us to the negative rhetoric of the preceding period." He was referring to the hostilities of the second intifada when the Palestinian Authority was under the control of its late chairman Yasser Arafat. Advertisement For their part, the Palestinians at the meeting condemned the government's approval for plans to build nearly 900 additional homes for Israelis in east Jerusalem. Meanwhile, officials said Olmert's strategy was to push ahead with the negotiations with the Palestinians, as well as indirect talks with Syria, as if nothing has changed in hope a corruption investigation does not end in charges against him. "This process will continue," Regev said of the talks with the Palestinians, adding that Olmert recommitted himself during the meeting to trying to reach a deal on Palestinian statehood by the end of the year. Olmert is suspected of illicitly receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Jewish American fundraiser. "We're hopeful, still, that it will be possible to reach such an agreement," Regev said. "I can say unequivocally that there was progress reached in this meeting today." He gave no details. Related articles: Israeli settlement expansion can't be justified, French FM says Israel to build over 800 new homes in East Jerusalem areas Investing in Fayyad Bookmark to del.icio.us   Slamming Obama McCain uses speech to AIPAC to criticize Obama for willingness to meet U.S. foes. Soldier kidnapping Three Israeli Arabs charged with planning to kidnap, kill soldier.   1.   It`s nice to see there are Israeli`s who value ties with Europe 18:16  |  Mark B. 02/06/08   2.   stop settlement building and expansion! 18:18  |  bashar 02/06/08   3.   go west israeli`s 18:45  |  sam i am 02/06/08   4.   Sam he was#3 - My family is from the Middle East 19:04  |  William 02/06/08   5.   Europe-never! 19:05  |  Terence 02/06/08   6.   Mark#1 - curious, do you notice the Jew bashing in your backyard? 19:07  |  William 02/06/08   7.   PA shoots self in the foot -- again. 19:16  |  MichaelF 02/06/08   8.   #3 The idea 19:19  |  Joshua 02/06/08   9.   What europe should do 19:20  |  real vision 02/06/08   10.   Clue...PA doesnt want state, just doesnt want Israel 19:36  |  David 02/06/08   11.   #3, SamIam, Jews from Israel, Arabs from Arabia 19:38  |  David 02/06/08   12.   PA absolutely correct in doing so 19:52  |  John 02/06/08   13.   Some Sanctions Against The Occupation Are Required 21:14  |  Yesh Gvul 02/06/08   14.   Promote Aliya & Expand Jewish Settlements Construction . 21:44  |  Joseph . E 02/06/08   15.   The.PA and driving into a cul de sac. 21:48  |  Stephen. 02/06/08   16.   Appropriate response to PA bid 21:59  |  Realist 02/06/08   17.   Well done PA. Israel should be boycotted 22:13  |  Labhras 02/06/08   18.   #3 sam i am we dont want their settler thugs 22:16  |  Labhras 02/06/08   19.   It`s all about $$/Euros... 22:23  |  Jewboy 02/06/08   20.   Olmert: Go to Jail, go directly to Jail... 23:15  |  Chanalau, Tova 02/06/08   21.   "Unacceptable rhetoric from Palestine" 23:29  |  Azman 02/06/08   22.   Jews originated in Brooklyn - ask `Terence` 23:52  |  x-ray 02/06/08   23.   Appropriate response to PA bid 01:37  |  Realist 03/06/08

Read & React Who didn't attend New York's pro-Israel march? Israelis Responses: 182 Doctors identify three IDF soldiers among remains handed over by Hezbollah Responses: 141 John McCain: U.S. is committed to preventing a second Holocaust Responses: 150 Barak: Hamas is exhibiting signs of distress Responses: 89 Rosner's Domain New Guest: Why educate child as Jew when he is not Jewish? McCain's real enemy: Iran or Obama? (WTR) Poll: What political option is better for Israel? The ultimate challenge for Pastor Hagee McCain's Defense Sec(?) isn't sure about recognizing Israel (WTR) More Headlines 03:01 Mofaz parlays with Shas to avoid early elections 02:39 Egypt tries to thwart Israel's plans in Europe 01:05 Olmert begins U.S. visit; set to meet with AIPAC, Bush 02:16 Doctors identify three IDF soldiers among remains handed over by Hezbollah 01:37 Natalie Portman to pitch Jewish-funded youth village in Rwanda 18:35 Three Israeli Arabs charged with planning to kidnap, kill soldier 23:56 Senior IDF officer loses 'top secret' security documents 01:57 With primary in sight, Kadima chiefs scurry to drum up support 02:49 In about-face, government may open doors to Falashmura immigration 23:33 U.S., UN express concern over Israel's plan for 800 new E. Jerusalem homes 20:19 U.S. imam fighting deportation talks of torture in Israeli detention 21:56 Israel lets Israeli Arabs into Jenin for first time since 2000 Previous Editions Select Day 02 jun 01 jun 30 may 29 may 28 may 27 may 26 may 25 may 23 may 22 may 21 may 20 may

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