Israeli PM arrives in France for Sarkozy talks OCT 21,07
JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrived in Paris Sunday for talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on the Middle East peace process and Iran's controversial nuclear drive. Before his departure Olmert said he looked forward to discussing Iran, especially against the recent background and the very strong position France has adopted together with Britain and the United States.All three countries, along with Israel, have demanded that Iran halt its uranium enrichment programme which they say is a cover for developing nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran adamantly denies.Olmert also said he would be discussing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process ahead of a US-sponsored conference slated for next month.After meeting Sarkozy and French Prime Minister Francois Fillon on Monday, Olmert will go to London to meet British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Palestinian president arrives in Indonesia Sun Oct 21.
JAKARTA (AFP) - Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas arrived Sunday in Indonesia on the next leg of a tour of key Muslim powers in Asia to drum up support ahead of a US-sponsored meeting with Israel. Arriving under drizzle at the world's largest Muslim-populated country, Abbas was greeted at Jakarta's Halim Perdanakusumah airbase by Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda.Abbas will be given an official welcome by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Merdeka Palace shortly before they meet for talks there on Monday.State Secretary Hatta Rajasa said that the two leaders would discuss Palestinian peace efforts in the Middle East.Before that Abbas is scheduled to meet Hasyim Muzadi, chairman of Indonesia's largest Islamic movement, the Nahdlatul Ulama, and later on Monday address an Indonesian forum on world affairs.
Indonesia, a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, has been actively seeking a role in promoting peace in the Middle East, including in Palestine.Abbas, who came here after a visit to Malaysia, will leave Indonesia for Brunei on Monday.The meeting with Israel -- called by US President George W. Bush -- is expected to take place next month in Annapolis, Maryland reviving hopes of advancing the Middle East peace process after almost seven years of deadlock.
