Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert baulked at a total freeze in settlement activity demanded by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting in Jerusalem on Thursday, an Israeli official said. “The prime minister has not promised to freeze tenders that have already been published and are already under way,” a senior Israeli official said.
Israeli and Palestinian leaders had met to try to unblock peace talks that have stalled after just two sessions over the issue of Israeli settlements. “The meeting will focus on the need to halt settlements in Palestinian territory,” Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said prior to meeting, adding that “up to now, negotiations have been stalled because of Israel. Peace needs a real push forward,” he said. “Israel must take serious measures to inspire confidence in the Palestinian people and the Arab world.” |