Olmert invites Siniora for peace talks

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday invited his Lebanese counterpart Fuad Siniora to engage in direct peace talks.

In a speech at the opening of the winter session of the Knesset (parliament), Olmert said that he would plan together with Siniora a peaceful solution to the crisis that has gripped the region since the 34-day conflict between Israel and Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah.

"I want to take this opportunity to call on Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora to meet with me face to face," Olmert said in a live broadcast by Channel 10.

But Israel "has not forgotten, nor shall we forget" the abducted Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, he added.

The prime minister also expressed his willingness in meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, saying that Abbas was the only "legitimate partner" of Israel in the peace process and that he was ready to meet immediately with the Palestinian president.

Meanwhile, he ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad, saying that Assad is not a " suitable negotiating partner."

"Peace is made only with those who truly shirk terror," said Olmert, referring Syrian leader as a host to the top leaders of Hamas, which is committed to Israel's destruction.

However, according to a source reaching here, Siniora has rejected Olmert's call for direct peace talks.

Saniora said in a statement that he had announced more than once that Lebanon would be the last Arab country to sign peace with Israel.

He said that before the peace talks, Israel should withdraw from occupied Lebanese lands first to show their desire for peace.

Source: Xinhua