Olmert Ready To Commit To Obama On PA State

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has agreed to commit Israel
to work toward the establishment of a Palestinian state even after his
departure.
Officials said Olmert has been discussing a new series of Israeli
commitments with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for a major military
withdrawal from the West Bank. They said Olmert has also been asked to
submit proposals regarding an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
"Olmert has expressed strong interest in continuing the peace process in
his last months in office," an official said. "Both he and the president
[George Bush] have been thinking about legacy."
Olmert, under police investigation on corruption and bribery allegations,
has been invited by President George Bush for a meeting at the White House
in late November. Officials said the Israeli prime minister requested the
meeting to discuss the establishment of a Palestinian state, negotiations
with Syria as well as Iran's nuclear program.