Palestinians 'must meet quartet demands'

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said today that the new Palestinian unity government must “openly and clearly” agree with the demands of the Quartet of Middle East negotiators – adopting past agreements, renouncing terrorism, and recognising Israel.

Olmert also said Israel was interested in peace with Syria, but not empty talks as long as Damascus continued to support terrorism. Syria has denied the charge.

“We want peace, and not just a process,” Olmert said. “Israel will not miss the opportunity to make peace with whomever it is possible to make peace with.”

The Israeli leader spoke during a visit to Turkey, one of Israel’s few friends in the Muslim world. The two countries have solid economic and military ties, but political tension has increased amid the sharpening conflict between Israel and the Hamas-led government.

Despite some disagreements, Olmert said Israel considers Turkey a “strategic partner,” and a “bridge” between Israel and the Arab and Islamic countries with whom it does not have relations.

He reiterated Israeli positions at a joint news conference with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.