Sunday, October 21, 2007

Olmert: Annapolis conference will not bring historic breakthrough

"Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Sunday a U.S.-sponsored conference on Palestinian statehood would not result in a major breakthrough in peacemaking.

Olmert has sought to lower expectations for the conference to deflect pressure from right-wing coalition partners who are opposed to dividing Jerusalem and taking other sweeping steps as part of any deal with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

Olmert said before a cabinet meeting that the conference, expected to be held in late November or early December, "is not meant to be an event on its own or an event for an agreement or a historic breakthrough".

Olmert said the conference in Annapolis, Maryland, should instead be viewed as a chance for the international community to support statehood negotiations, expected to formally begin following the gathering......"

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