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Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. (Nir Keidar) Last update - 01:05 03/06/2008 Olmert begins U.S. visit; set to meet with AIPAC, Bush By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Olmert, Bush, AIPAC Prime Minister Ehud Olmert begins a two-day visit in Washington on Tuesday, which will include an address at the annual gathering of AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby, and a meeting with president George Bush that will focus on the Iranian nuclear program and upgrading the bilateral defense ties between Washington and Jerusalem. The prime minister decided to travel to Washington in spite of the political crisis in Israel, because the security dialogue with Bush, which began when he visited Israel in January, requires attention, sources close to Olmert said Monday. During the cabinet meeting Sunday, Olmert said the security-related issues on the agenda with Bush addressed "the essence of Israel's existence." Advertisement In his meetings in Washington, Olmert will concentrate on the efforts to foil Iran's nuclear program. A senior political source said Monday that Israel continues to emphasize, in contacts with U.S. officials, that Iran is developing military nuclear capabilities. "There is progress in the dialogue with the Americans, but no decisions are expected [to be made]," the source said. Olmert will try to convince Bush to set aside the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran's nuclear program in favor of data presented by Israel, and determine the administration's policy on Iran accordingly. Another central issue in the talks will be upgrading defense ties between the two countries. Olmert and Bush are not scheduled to sign any definitive or binding agreements, but Israel is interested in reaching an agreement on a series of joint projects that will begin under the current administration, and bind the next U.S. administration. A political source said that the projects in question are very sensitive and have to do with missile defense systems and advanced warfare capabilities that Israel would like to acquire in the coming years. The United States is expected to allow Israel to participate in a number of advanced American defense industry projects. Olmert will also brief the president on developments in the indirect negotiations with Syria and the upcoming start of resumed talks, as well as the meetings with the Palestinian Authority. On Monday, Olmert met with PA President Mahmoud Abbas, and the two leaders discussed issues of borders and security. Related articles: A damaging and superfluous trip Olmert to hand Bush a weapons wish list Olmert's U.S. visit: Business as usual, or farewell tour? 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.   Isn`t PA negotiator Saeb Erekat giving follow-up to meeting... 01:09  |  Smadar 03/06/08   2.   Why is he still here as PM? 01:15  |  bat yam 03/06/08   3.   Its all a show 01:37  |  Wendy 03/06/08   4.   Stop Olmert leaving the country before his case 01:46  |  Akram Zekaria 03/06/08   5.   Olmert.. set to meet with AIPAC, Bush..Tallansky 03:24  |  Ali 03/06/08   6.   No more WMD for Israel. 03:37  |  Maureen Ann 03/06/08   7.   LIVNI AND OLMERT ARE THREAT TO ISRAEL 05:54  |  Teddy Baer 03/06/08   8.   Olmert begins us tour.................. 05:55  |  Vinny Capone 03/06/08   9.   Olmert trying to SALVAGE his name..... 07:53  |  Dolly 03/06/08   10.   A day of celebration 07:59  |  Dror 03/06/08   11.   After What Olmert Has Done He Doesn`t Deserve A Farewel Tour 08:21  |  Shepherd 03/06/08   12.   Olmert faces a Prima Facie Criminal Charge 08:42  |  Dagma 03/06/08   13.   Here comes Olmert, hat in hand 09:27  |  ballistic 03/06/08   14.   To Shepherd# 11 - Olmert has no MORAL RGHTS 10:28  |  Dolly 03/06/08

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