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Olmert Stalls Talks With Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday delayed a key Cabinet decision on an Egyptian-mediated truce with the Hamas in and around the Gaza Strip. This is an issue that has to go through the security Cabinet, Olmert was quoted as saying by a senior official. This is a serious and weighty issue with far-reaching consequences. The premier delayed the planned yesterday departure to Cairo of senior Defense Ministry official Amos Gilad, who represents Israel in the indirect talks. At this stage we will not send any envoy to Egypt before holding a security Cabinet consultation, Olmert told his Kadima party ministers before the weekly government meeting. The premier, who faces a graft investigation that threatens his political future, leaves today on a three-day visit to the United States and will not convene the powerful security Cabinet before next week, his office said. Our commitment is clear that the situation in the south cannot continue and the security Cabinet is the only authorized body to make decisions on the issue, Olmert was quoted as saying. Egypt has been acting as mediator because Israel refuses to negotiate directly with the Hamas movement. In exchange for stopping rocket attacks, Hamas has said it wants Israel to lift the blockade of Gaza and allow the reopening of border crossings, especially Rafah on the frontier with Egypt. Posted by: Fred 2008-06-02 |
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