Olmert reportedly tells Sarkozy peace document possible by end of year

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told French President Nicolas Sarkorzy at a welcome dinner in Jerusalem Sunday that a temporary document outlining the general principles of an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement could be expected to be compiled by the end of the year, a senior French official said. The official claimed that Olmert said he and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas had built a relationship of real trust. Concerning Hamas, Olmert reportedly expressed hope that the Gaza truce would last as long as possible. He apparently reiterated that if Hamas agrees to accept the Quartet's conditions, it would be possible for Israel to hold direct talks with the group. Regarding negotiations with Syria, the prime minister purportedly said the talks were being conducted professionally, but downplayed suggestions of a summit involving him and Syrian President Bashar Assad, Israel Radio reported.