[Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs] Prime Minister Olmert said Tuesday at Annapolis: "I came here today from Jerusalem on behalf of the people of Israel and the State of Israel to extend a hand in peace to the Palestinian people and to our neighboring Arab states." "The memory of the failures of the near and distant past weighs heavy on us. The dreadful terrorism perpetrated by Palestinian terrorist organizations has affected thousands of Israeli citizens....The continued shooting of Kassam rockets against tens of thousands of residents in the south of Israel, particularly in the city of Sderot, serves as a warning sign - one which cannot be overlooked. The...rule of Hamas in Gaza, the ongoing activity of murderous organizations throughout all the territories of the Palestinian Authority...are factors which deter us from moving forward too hastily." "The negotiations will be based on previous agreements between us, UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, the Roadmap, and the April 14, 2004, letter of President Bush to the Prime Minister of Israel." "There is not a single Arab state in the north, east or south with which we do not seek peace. There is no Muslim state with which we do not want to establish diplomatic relations. Anyone who wants peace with us, we say to them, from the bottom of our hearts: welcome!"
2007-11-28 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive