#1 In a Newsweek-Washington Post interview ahead of his trip, Prime Minister Olmert said, "I am ready to release many, many prisoners. I made it clear long ago that I am anxious to open up a new dialogue with [Palestinian Authority President] Abu Mazen, and for that purpose, I'm ready to release many prisoners."
Thus validating the kidnapping.
However, Olmert went on to say that the current ruling power in the PA, the Hamas terrorist organization, is preventing the release of the prisoners, "because they refuse to let us have our soldier [kidnapped IDF Corporal. Gilad Shalit]...." According to the prime minister, the Hamas "is not really interested in the well-being of its prisoners. They want to topple Abu Mazen at any cost."
In his interview, Prime Minister Olmert said of Abu Mazen, "He personally has shown consistently his opposition to terror and his discomfort with Hamas techniques. But it is incumbent upon him to do more than just say how uncomfortable he is with Hamas. He hasn't yet shown enough determination and inner strength to put down this government of terrorists...." |
+