TIME TO IMPOSE PEACE

Olmert: Bilateral or Unilateral -- Plan is ´Unstoppable´By Hana Levi Julian

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told French President Jacques Chirac on Wednesday that Israel has a new plan to talk about with the Palestinian Authority -- but will go it alone if the PA won't talk. Olmert had glowing words of praise after his meeting with Chirac, whom he called "patient and personal." He said his meeting with the French leader was "emotional, encouraging and interesting.

I am honored to be your guest in France," Olmert said. "As the prime minister who represents the Jewish people, it is a special honor to be the guest of one of the greatest fighters against anti-Semitism in the world. Olmert said afterwards that Chirac had expressed no objections to his unilateral withdrawal plan, which Olmert described as unstoppable.

My belief in this has only been strengthened after my meetings with world leaders,"he said. Willingness to give up most of the territory, hold on to the blocs, moving settlers behind a secure border and forming a contiguous Palestinian state -- this is the convergence," he said.

Olmert and Chirac also spoke with reporters in Paris. Chirac echoed the statements of other world leaders in his statement to the press, saying that France and the European Union were unwavering in their intention to help Israel and the PA come to a peace agreement. It is time to impose peace in the region, based on two states living side by side with each other in peace,” he said.

Olmert respectfully reminded Chirac that there were several preconditions to be fulfilled by the PA before negotiations could begin. You, Mr. President, were one of the first to outline, among other things, the Quartet’s three preconditions on the Palestinians before entering negotiations with Israel,” he said. "I expect you will continue to encourage negotiations under these terms.

The three preconditions include formal recognition of Israel’s right to exist, disarming and renouncing terrorism, and upholding agreements signed by the previous PA government.
Olmert was careful to praise the French president, and Chirac was equally respectful, honoring Olmert by greeting him at his car as it pulled up to the Palais de l’Elys?es. Chirac,who usually greets visiting dignitaries at the door, displayed an extra measure of warmth to Olmert by greeting him at his car as it pulled up to the presidential palace.