Region | Palestinian Territories
Israel ready to take unilateral steps
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday said that he won't wait years for Hamas to recognise Israel, a precondition for peace talks, and that he is prepared to take unilateral steps in the meantime.
- AP
- Published: 00:00 March 23, 2006
Occupied Jerusalem: Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday said that he won't wait years for Hamas to recognise Israel, a precondition for peace talks, and that he is prepared to take unilateral steps in the meantime.
"We waited a reasonable time. If we see there is no reasonable chance [for a resumption of talks] we will take our fate in our own hands," Olmert said in a pre-election interview with Israel TV's Channel 10.
Olmert said Israel must draw its own borders if there is no possibility of talks with the Palestinians.
"We have to solve the problem ourselves, not to become a hostage to the Palestinians to decide when things will happen and what will happen," he said.
Asked for his response if Hamas changes its policy and recognises Israel, Olmert said that if the representatives of the Palestinian people fulfil all of their obligations, "then we will negotiate with the representatives of the Palestinian National Authority."
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