ISRAEL:Prime minister Ehud Olmert confirmed yesterday he planned to hold talks with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas that would lead to the creation of a Palestinian state. But the Israeli leader did not announce a timetable for the talks and the more contentious issues, like borders and refugees, will not be on the table in the initial negotiating phase.
"I resolve to create a track that will allow me to hold serious discussions with Abu Mazen," Mr Olmert said, referring to Mr Abbas. "Just so it's clear, [ Mr Abbas] carries full responsibility and he is ready to take a risk. There are risks for Israel as well, but we are strong enough to take that risk."
The Israeli leader's comments confirmed a report yesterday in the daily Haaretz that he is offering the Palestinians talks over the formulation of an "Agreement of Principles" that would lead to the creation of a Palestinian state in Gaza and most of the West Bank. If the Palestinians agree, the report said, initial talks would focus on the institutional nature of the Palestinian state, including its economy.
Only once an "Agreement of Principles" has been drafted, will issues like the final borders of a Palestinian state, the fate of Jerusalem and Palestinian refugees, be up for discussion.
Mr Olmert does not believe that agreement can be reached at the moment on the core issues at the heart of the conflict, but by focusing on the less vexing issues he thinks the long-dormant peace process can be restarted.
According to Haaretz, the Israeli leader's assessment is that an "Agreement of Principles" would have widespread support both within parliament and among the general public. The incremental approach he is suggesting would also help him overcome deep scepticism among Israelis. As part of the agreement, Palestinians would be allowed to travel between the West Bank and Gaza via a tunnel, and there would be a territorial exchange whereby Israel would compensate the Palestinians for the large settlement blocs in the West Bank it wants to retain.