Israel not to release Palestinian prisoners before kidnapped soldier's return: PM

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Wednesday that Israel would not agree to release Palestinian prisoners before the return of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.

Olmert made the remarks during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice who had met with Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

The Israeli premier told Rice that despite his desire to help Abbas, releasing prisoners without first returning the soldier would bring about heightened demands from Hamas.

Olmert and Rice discussed the need to transfer funds to the PNA in order to alleviate the situation of Palestinian people in the territories. He also promised that the Karni crossing will be reopened.

Olmert said that Israel will look into possible ways to provide humanitarian aid, such as transferring funds to hospitals and purchasing of medicines.

Earlier in the day, Rice met with Abbas and said that the U.S. is committed to the two-state solution. She stated that the U.S. is determined to improve the conditions of living in Gaza and the West Bank.

Abbas said during the meeting that any Palestinian government must honor former agreements made between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

The Palestinian president further stated that, as of now, efforts toward a unity government between Fatah and Hamas had broken down and that there was "no indication" that they would be renewed.

Rice is expected to hold separate meetings Thursday morning with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Amir Peretz.

Source: Xinhua