Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., June 06, 2008 Sivan 3, 5768 | | Israel Time: 05:05 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Olmert (R) and Bush meeting in Jerusalem last month. (Ariel Jerozolimski) Last update - 11:33 03/06/2008 Olmert visits U.S. with focus on defense ties, thwarting Iran By Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Ehud Olmert, AIPAC, Israel  Prime Minister Ehud Olmert began a two-day visit in Washington on Tuesday, which was set to 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   Terrorist donuts U.S. Arabs irate over criticism of celebrity cook's kaffiyeh. All the way to hell Rosner's blog: It's Obama's good intentions that pro-Israel activists fear.   1.   Trying to avoid his ultimate fate 10:40  |  Dror 03/06/08   2.   Warmonger meeting 10:52  |  Dav 03/06/08   3.   Chutzpah Unlimited 10:56  |  S 03/06/08   4.   convince Bush about Iran 11:39  |  Gregor 03/06/08   5.   Olmert summoned to appear before AIPAC 12:01  |  Natallie Durson 03/06/08   6.   State of doing nothing 12:10  |  Good Life 03/06/08   7.   Olmert focusing on DEFENCE TIES....??? 12:16  |  Dolly 03/06/08   8.   We are running out of time. 12:41  |  Jean Van Daem 03/06/08   9.   Blockade of Iran best way to prevent nuclear war 15:25  |  Realist 03/06/08   10.   I need to comment on everything 16:14  |  Natallie Durson 03/06/08   11.   #8 Jean Van Daem is running out of time 16:20  |  Jim 03/06/08   12.   no mention 16:28  |  curious george 03/06/08   13.   #5 Natalie Durson 16:42  |  Jim 03/06/08   14.   When is he coming back? 17:18  |  Dror 03/06/08   15.   `thwart` iran? no. *bomb* iran. 17:43  |  frenz 03/06/08   16.   Saving The West 19:05  |  Steve 03/06/08   17.   Hey Steve..wherever you are..Save the WHAT???... 20:23  |  ali 03/06/08   18.   Response to Ali 20:53  |  Steve 03/06/08   19.   This is not just about Olmert seeking a diversion from his 20:58  |  lakshmi 03/06/08   20.   Defense ties with Iserael is a one way street. 00:29  |  American in NY 06/06/08   21.   Steve # 16 Saving the west 03:29  |  American in NY 06/06/08

Read & React Abbas slams Obama for saying Jerusalem to stay Israel's undivided capital Responses: 238 German neo-Nazis: We're pro-Israel and we condemn anti-Semitism Responses: 135 Olmert: We're close to stopping Iran's nuclear program Responses: 93 U.S. Arabs irate over criticism of celebrity cook's kaffiyeh Responses: 91 Israeli killed in Negev mortar strike; Gazan girl dies in IAF attack Responses: 101 Rosner's Domain Obama and Jerusalem: did you really believe him? What did Obama say to Joe Lieberman? (WTR) Guest: Marrying within the faith isn't racism - it's self preservation Poll: Philip Roth, Victor Frankl or Leon Uris? AIPAC: Cheering toughness, silent on peace More Headlines 01:36 Olmert hints major Gaza operation is imminent 03:43 PM to Bush, Abbas: I'll weather legal storm, stay in office 03:07 Olmert aides: Progress made with U.S. on forging common view on Iran 20:50 Israeli killed in Negev mortar strike; Gazan girl, 4, dies in IAF attack 23:45 Turkey: U.S. backs mediation bid for Syrian-Israeli peace 22:24 A rabbi, an imam and a priest discuss their 'painful verses' 03:54 IDF spokesman: Announce war casualties only once a day 22:20 AG Mazuz: No legal grounds yet for forcing Olmert to resign 01:48 Congress: Pentagon concealed useful Iranian intel from CIA in 2001 00:50 Israel lags behind Sudan, Pakistan in number of women in legislature 02:06 Obama's pro-Israel speech before AIPAC riles Arab press Previous Editions Select Day 05 jun 04 jun 03 jun 02 jun 01 jun 30 may 29 may 28 may 27 may 26 may 25 may 23 may

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